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High school graduation is key to economic development

By Maggie Richmond, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce

There’s been a lot of talk in the past year about how to jumpstart the economy. Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise knows the solution that will make the longest-term impact—and it’s one that every person, community advocate or business leader can do something about.

“The best economic stimulus package is a high school diploma.” President, Alliance for Excellent Education

According to a January 2010 study by the Alliance for Excellent Education, approximately 6,700 students in the Indianapolis metropolitan area from the Class of 2008 dropped out of high school. If even half of them had been able to graduate, the yearly impact on our local economy would have been astounding:

• $5 million in increased state and local tax revenue
• $11 million in additional investments
• $30 million in additional spending
• $42 million in increased earnings

The business community does not exist in a vacuum. It relies on a well-educated pool of potential employees to prosper and grow. As our schools produce more high school graduates, more students move on to college—and fewer end up in jail or utilizing social services. Our community will flourish through an educated workforce leading greater individual earning potential. The more income individuals earn means a stronger tax base which builds and stabilizes a stronger infrastructure, public works and social services.

The bottom line: more high school graduates is good business.

Which is exactly why the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with business leaders, community organizations, and educators to help more of our high school students reach graduation.

Common Goal is an educational initiative aimed at increasing the Marion County high school graduation rate to 80 percent by 2012. That would be 2,000 more students graduating every year. In order to make this goal a reality, we are using five interventions: graduation coaches, internships, mentors, and reading and credit recovery programs.

How you can help:

You can mentor. Team up with other mentors to facilitate small groups of high school students. Contact Maggie Richmond, Common Goal Mentor Coordinator, at mrichmond@indylink.com or 464-2270 to learn more.

You can partner. Provide an internship, help us recruit mentors from your staff, or make a contribution that funds a program or intervention. Contact Eric Bedel, Common Goal Director, at ebedel@indylink.com or 464-2271 for more information.