FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2010
CONTACT: Tom Cheney, (802) 828-2245
State Leaders Sign Higher Education Agreement
Montpelier, Vt – The Vermont Commission on Higher Education Funding today released its report and recommendations aimed at recognizing the value of higher education for Vermonters and the State.
The new Compact with the State of Vermont, entitled Higher Expectations for Vermont: The Sixty Percent Solution proposes increasing the percentage of Vermonters who have earned a two or four–year college degree from 42% to 60% by 2019.
In a presentation at the State House, members of the Commission and legislative leaders emphasized that postsecondary education is essential for Vermonters to compete in the global economy and is essential for a stronger Vermont .
“Education and training beyond high school is imperative for all Vermonters and can’t be considered a luxury but, rather, a minimum educational goal for all,” said Representative Floyd Nease, Co-Chair of the Commission.
“A well-educated workforce is a prerequisite for job growth and supports entrepreneurial businesses to hire Vermonters,” said Senator Hinda Miller, Co-Chair of the Commission.
Senate President Pro-Tem Peter Shumlin and Speaker Shap Smith praised the report.
“Vermont has a great tradition of educational excellence,” said Senator Shumlin. “We must do everything we can to ensure that all Vermonters are afforded an opportunity to graduate form an institution of higher learning. This will provide Vermonters and Vermont with a robust jobs future.”
“Education is one of the fundamental building blocks of society,” said Speaker Shap Smith. “Our state benefits when all Vermonters are able to access higher education.”
The Compact for the State of Vermont recommends that the State undertake several commitments to reach the 60% higher education gradation goal, including: increased career awareness, increasing the number of high school graduates who enter college, increasing college completion rates; and increasing opportunities for working adults to return to college and complete degrees.
Members of the higher education community were also on hand for the report’s release.
“Higher levels of education translate into higher earnings, increased civic engagement, and decreased dependency on government services–all critical elements of a prospering economy and vibrant democracy,” said Tim Donovan, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges.
“It is essential to Vermont’s future well being to have our state’s leaders committed, as expressed in this compact, to creating a culture where all Vermonters recognize the power of higher education,” said Daniel M. Fogel, President of the University of Vermont.
“The sixty percent solution is one hundred percent correct for our times,” said Susan Stitely, President of the Association of Vermont Independent Colleges. “Vermont ’s independent colleges are pleased to be a part of that solution.”
“The compact is a great example of the Governor, legislators and the higher education community working together to ensure that all Vermonters have access to a post secondary education,” said Don Vickers, President of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.
The Compact with the State of Vermont reflects broad state-level agreement about the importance of educational attainment in relation to Vermont’s economic vitality, and is signed by Governor James Douglas; Shap Smith, Speaker, Vermont House of Representatives; Peter Shumlin, President Pro Tempore, Vermont Senate; Tim Donovan, Chancellor, Vermont State Colleges; Daniel M. Fogel, President, University of Vermont; Susan Stitely, President, Association of Vermont Independent Colleges and Don Vickers, President/CEO, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.
The Compact is available at: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/
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