Newly-released U.S. Census data reveal the proportion of working-age Floridians with a degree or high-quality credential beyond high school rose to 49.6%, compared to 49.3% last year.

Florida College Access Network (FCAN) unveiled the state’s new attainment rate during a presentation at the inaugural meeting of the Florida Talent Development Council (TDC) on October 7.

“Most workers today need to achieve an education beyond high school to enjoy a middle-class lifestyle,” said Laurie Meggesin, executive director of FCAN, in her presentation to the TDC. Meggesin noted that the current median earnings for the 3 million Floridians without educational credentials beyond a high school diploma is about $27,500 per year, below the $34,418 average for Floridians overall. “The higher your level of education, the higher your earning opportunities are.”

The TDC, which is comprised of leaders from the state’s highest-ranking business, education, workforce and economic development agencies, is working to develop a coordinated, data-driven, statewide approach to meeting Florida’s needs for its workforce. The council’s first task is to create a strategic plan for the state to achieve the SAIL to 60 goal, which aims to increase the percentage of working-age Floridians with a high-value postsecondary certificate, degree, or training experience to 60% by 2030.

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