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This is Chris Redgrave for Zions Bank Speaking on Business.
Business leaders know that investment in education is critical to a vibrant economy. Great businesses are built with human capital — well trained and educated workers. That's why Utah's business community has come together to create two important business initiatives: 66 percent of Utahns with a postsecondary certificate or degree by 2020 and 90 percent of elementary students proficient in reading and math to help us get there. This is known as Prosperity 2020.
Right now we're facing challenges with Utah's math, reading and science scores trailing peer states. We're also experiencing a diversifying population.
Utah is known as a technology hotspot and is home to around 7,000 technology companies. They employ around 140,000 people and pay salaries approximately 57 percent higher than the statewide average. That's why some of the best jobs and strongest business growth are in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.
Prosperity 2020 has collaborated with key entities to engage industry, educators, administrators, government, boards and other organizations statewide in the search for best practices in STEM education. An important Prop 2020 initiative will establish STEM educational resource centers around the state and is supportive of a higher education plan to increase postsecondary certificates and degrees in STEM fields by several thousand every year.
This is strategic for Utah's economic recovery and growth … and shows, once again, why our business community is so strong. Prosperity 2020 is the largest initiative of business leaders ever assembled to improve our economy by enhancing education for children. This will ensure job opportunities and continue to increase our talented employment base, helping Utah continue to lead out in the nation.
Business leaders understand that education is the path to enduring prosperity — it's income, quality of life and good citizenship. To learn more about Prosperity 2020, visit prosperity2020.com.
Speaking on Business is now on video. Check out the video edition of our radio program on the Zions Direct TV YouTube Channel. That's Zions Direct TV.
For Zions Bank, I'm Chris Redgrave, speaking on business.
Prosperity 2020 www.prosperity2020.com
