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Making Change: What Works June 19, 2003 @ 8-9:00 PM on WVIZ If there's one factor that can predict a region's economic success, it's the education level of its workforce. Right now, Northeast Ohio is not keeping pace with its peers or the rest of the nation. For example, 23.5% of Northeast Ohio adults hold a bachelor's degree. That compares to the national average of 24.4%. It also puts us far behind similar regions like Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (38.9%); Seattle, Washington (32.0%); and Columbus, Ohio (29.1%). The hour-long television special "Making Change: What Works?" explores ways in which we can boost the skills and education levels of our workers so that we can compete with other regions for jobs and new industries. We'll discuss the so-called "brain drain" phenomenon and explore whether we're turning out the right kinds of college graduates for our region. Plus, we'll investigate the role of state education policy in economic development as we examine states like Minnesota, Georgia, and North Carolina, where big investments in education and research have paid off. 
Jobs, jobs, and more jobs. How do we create them? What’s it take to get them? Do we have enough qualified people to fill them? These are the questions you’ve been asking us through your calls, your emails, and your interviews. And tonight, we bring you some answers. Hello, I’m Julie Henry. You know, throughout our Making Change series on the ideastream stations… we’ve discovered that healthy economies are built upon four pillars. There’s Research & Development… Entrepreneurship & Innovation… Risk Capital… and a Strong Workforce. Well tonight, we’re focusing on that last one… as we explore what you can do to increase your employability… and how improving your own job skills can actually help improve Northeast Ohio’s economy. Let’s start with some facts and figures. You know, if there’s one factor that can predict a region’s economic success, it’s the education level of its workforce. Well take a look at this… The latest U.S. Census figures show that 23.5% of Northeast Ohio Adults hold a bachelor’s degree. That compares to the national average of 24.4%. And it puts us far behind regions similar to NE Ohio… like Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina… Minneapolis… and even our downstate neighbor, Columbus. Now these are the very regions we compete with in attracting new industries. So how does this hit you in the wallet?Now here comes that link between what’s good for the region and what’s good for you personally. We’ve already seen that higher education levels lead to a healthier regional economy. But look at how education can affect your paycheck. 
These figures come to us from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 1998. They look at unemployment levels and wages for full-time workers age 25 and older. And they certainly prove the adage “learn more to earn more.” They also seem to indicate that the more you learn, the less chance you have of becoming unemployed. So, more adults getting more education adds up to more growth for our region and more money in your pocket. That’s why it’s important that we work to attract and retain highly educated people… and stem that “Brain Drain” that we’ve been hearing so much about. But what about recent college graduates who say they want to stay here… but can’t find jobs? Making Change correspondent Cynthia Barnes explores the disconnect between local talent and local employers… and a growing movement to bring the two sides together. Pre-taped PackageAnd we have an update on this story. Jennifer called recently to tell us that she has had a couple of local job interviews since we taped this segment. And she’s hopeful that her job prospects are looking up. We wish her the best of luck. But what about the other graduates out there? What can they be doing to land that local job? And what about people who have been laid off in this “down” economy? What can they do? Well joining us now to discuss these and a range of other job and workforce issues are: Live Panel DiscussionI want to thank all of our panelists for joining us. And again, I want to remind you to take advantage of the many resources we’ve assembled on the Making Change website, including the Northeast Ohio Directory of Education, Training, and Employment Services; links to federal and state legislators; the Economic Development Resource Guide and much more! Thanks to you for tuning in. And remember that Making Change here in Northeast Ohio takes time… it takes planning… and it takes a sustained commitment. But the goal is within our reach. And the more we all get involved with our community, the faster we’ll see results. And if you have any questions, please send us an e-mail on the Making Change website. We’re here to serve you. And we’re happy to help in whatever way we can. I’m Julie Henry. For all of us here at ideastream, good-night. Resources: Career Development
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