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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
In the business community Utah is leading out in the nation in several areas, everything from unemployment to budgeting to business collaboration. Our business community is known for their dedication and keen business sense. And now they hope to take Utah's education to the next level.
Utah business leaders have come together to create the largest business-led movement in state history. It's known as Prosperity 2020. By the year 2020, they've set three goals for Utahns. The first is for 66 percent of Utahns to have postsecondary certificates or degrees. According to a study from the U of U, it's estimated that for Utah's economy to continue returning to full health, we need to produce a skilled workforce. And that means 66 percent of all Utahns will need a postsecondary certification.
The second goal is for 90 percent of elementary students to be proficient in reading and math. Several studies have shown how critical the early years are in children's development, and dropping out starts earlier each year. This goal is intended to help students develop the skills to keep up with their peers.
The third part of Prosperity 2020 is to help Utah become a STEM Top Ten Center for technology jobs and business. Utah currently ranks 11th in the nation for technology jobs as a total share of employment. Putting this kind of emphasis on developing scientists and engineers will help the Beehive State continue our reputation as a technology hotspot.
Right now, over 20 percent of our state population is in the K-12 system, and that's been increasing for several years. It's critical for us as a state to provide these kids with the tools they'll need to be successful, and Prosperity 2020 is one way our business community hopes to do that.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
www.prosperity2020.com
