As a state, Kentucky is focusing on the importance of higher education. There is proof that higher education is important; in fact, over the course of a lifetime, Kentuckians with a bachelor’s degree earn roughly $1 million more than Kentuckians with a high school diploma.
Bachelor’s degrees lead to increased workforce participation, improved financial security, and decreased reliance on public assistance. Increasing the number of individuals with bachelor’s degrees has rippling effects throughout the economy and workforce, making it an appealing option. Kentucky is trying to take advantage of the benefits that come with higher education and has set a goal of having 60% of its population hold a postsecondary credential by 2030.
Kentucky has already seen success. It has increased overall degree completions and closed completion gaps. Currently, there has been a 4.8 percentage point increase in individuals with a postsecondary degree or credential, and the 2023 attainment rate is 55%.
These are positive trends, but obstacles still lie ahead. For example, undergraduate enrollment has been declining among low-income learners and adult learners. These are two key demographics when it comes to higher education. Additionally, Kentucky is still behind the national average of educational attainment.
Enter the The Kentucky Student Success Collaborative
There are ways to combat negative trends, however. One method is the creation of initiatives centered around student success. The Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (the KYSSC) is an example of one of these initiatives.
The KYSSC targets three key areas in its efforts to increase bachelor’s degree attainment. These areas are promoting basic needs for students, improving transfer pathways, and promoting gateway course success. Focusing on these areas can lead to increased levels of degree completion and higher retention rates. For example, students who complete a gateway English course experience 82% retention between their first and second years, whereas students who do not complete this course experience 48% retention rates. This is one example of a specific area that student success measures can have an impact on retention and general educational success.
Conclusion
To achieve its goals, the KYSSC brings various stakeholders together and shares best practices between invested parties. In fact, there are currently 2,963 Kentuckians working together with the KYSSC to improve student outcomes. The KYSSC has developed 24 statewide recommendations, guiding stakeholders toward a future with increased numbers of degree holders.
While more work is necessary to reach Kentucky’s goal, partners of the KYSSC report favorable experiences and expectations moving forward. Supporting students can end up supporting the state as a whole, and is an important goal for overall success and wellbeing.