As postsecondary skills have become essential to success for millions of Americans, few would argue that our nation has all of the talent it needs to prosper. New data from Lumina Foundation reveal that our country risks falling behind in a global race—the competition for innovation and, above all else, talent—unless actions are taken now to significantly increase postsecondary attainment. Projections by the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce show that more than 65 percent of U.S. jobs will require some form of postsecondary education by the end of this decade. And yet, only 40 percent of working-age adults (ages 25-64) now hold at least a two-year degree. Lumina Foundation’s annual Stronger Nation report tracks the nation’s progress toward Goal 2025. The full report, individual state briefs and metro area data is available in PDF format, and in an interactive online format.
