If West Virginia’s economy is to be improved, the state must begin a full-court press to address educational shortcomings among residents.
The Kids Count data book, released last week, showed that in 2005 a staggering 39 percent of children and teens in the Mountain State live in homes “where no parent has full-time, year-round employment.”
Although this reliance on seasonal work may allow families to get by on a monthly basis, it does not bode well for the state’s economic forecast — or that of the families.
While some families can lead “relatively stable lives” with part-time seasonal work, this is not the whole story, West Virginia University economist George Hammond was quoted in an Associated Press report, citing the Mountain State’s sub-par performance in spurring job growth in high-paying, full-time occupations.
Yet the experts pointed out that before the issue of high-paying jobs can be approached, the Mountain State must address the educational deficit among residents.
“Only 16.9 percent of West Virginians aged 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree and that’s last in the country,” Brian Noland, chancellor of the state Higher Education Policy Commission, said in the AP story.
Noland emphasized many adults do not realize scholarships are available to help finance a college education — even for those who may not have been star students in high school.
According to the chancellor, more than 3,000 students who are eligible for PELL grants — federal funds available to college students — will not get a state grant simply because they did not fill out a secondary state application.
Sadly, the majority of these students are adults.
Although the state’s welfare division is working to train adults after they leave the program, we must question whether or not the state is merely reacting to the educational crisis instead of working to prevent it.
In light of the recent reports, West Virginia must review its programs that promote and assist high school and non-traditional students in getting a college education and, if need be, overhaul them.
If officials are serious about improving the economic environment then educational opportunities and training for adults must become a top priority.
The Mountain State will never be truly “open for business” if we don’t have the qualified manpower to fill the ranks of incoming industry.
