The State of Ohio has established a Complete to Compete Ohio goal, which states that “By 2025, 65% of Ohioans ages 25-64 will have a degree, certificate or other postsecondary workforce credential of value in the workplace.” Scale Strategic Solutions initially worked with the Ohio Department of Higher Education starting in 2015 to facilitate a work group that recommended the goal which was later embedded in legislation and adopted by the board of regents. This ambitious goal is important because increasing the number of Ohioans with post-secondary credentials will result in increased career opportunities, stronger communities, a more robust tax base, a healthier economy, less reliance on public assistance, and a more competitive position in the global search for talent and investment.

Ohio has made progress, the number of working age adults with a postsecondary degree, certificate, or other credential of value in the workplace has slowly increased over the past 10 years for all major racial and ethnic groups. But at the current rate we are going, Ohio will fall short of the goal.

 In order for Ohio to meet its 65% attainment goal for working-adults by 2025, we need individual aspiration to be encouraged; collaboration among educational institutions, employers, philanthropy, and community groups to flourish in support of all students; and public policy to bolster efforts toward the goal.

 Scale Strategic Solutions looks forward to Ohio’s continued push for Ohioans to complete post-secondary education and training in order to compete in today’s and tomorrow’s economy. 

To learn more about the Complete to Compete Ohio Initiative go to: https://completetocompeteohio.org/