Sarasota’s education and community leaders are making a bold pivot in how they expand opportunity for student success and strengthen communities. At a recent kickoff meeting hosted by PLANit Sarasota, leaders announced a new focus to raise the county’s postsecondary-going rate by 10%— improving the percentage of recent high school graduates who enroll in college, technical training, or other postsecondary programs.
While the county’s postsecondary attainment rate or the share of adults with a degree or credential remains important, the true leading indicator is the enrollment rate. Currently, Sarasota’s college-going rate is 62.6%. The community’s new goal is to reach 70% by 2030.
Citing Helios Education Foundation’s Florida’s Future Billions report, FCAN’s Director of Research and Policy, Dave Sobush, highlighted that Sarasota could gain $227 million in annual social and fiscal benefits by reaching this target. “A more prepared and educated workforce doesn’t just change individual lives—it strengthens entire communities,” Sobush said. “The data shows this goal is both achievable and transformative.”
Thomas Williams, Director of PLANit Sarasota, the local college access network, underscored the importance of collaboration. “We know our students have the talent and drive,” Williams said. “Our job as a community is to clear the path—through FAFSA completion, career exploration, and support systems—so that more students can take that next step after high school.”
One key takeaway is that increasing the enrollment rate of high school seniors by just 10%—or 182 more students each year—would make a significant impact. Proven strategies such as FAFSA completion, Career Expos, and work-based learning opportunities are already helping to move the needle.
To learn more about the Talent Strong Florida campaign, click here.