Indicators 2023: Data highlights connections between education and economy
Jun. 3—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, COO at The Institute, this week said by examining education indicators such as enrollment in career and technical centers, completion of advanced coursework, and degree completions, it is possible to assess education and future economic development in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to prepare tomorrow's workforce for employment in Northeastern Pennsylvania's business and industry.
According to Avery-Stoss, emerging industries and occupations demand a diverse range of education and training opportunities, including apprenticeship programs, associate degree or trade school programs, on-the-job training, certificates, credentials, and college and university degrees.
"For instance, career and technical education at the high school level represents one path to gaining the job skills that translate to economic opportunity," Avery-Stoss stated. "Between Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties, 2,599 students were enrolled in CTCs in 2022."
In both Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, this total has declined compared to 2019 and 2020. Wayne County is one of the few counties left in Northeastern Pennsylvania without its own complete CTC.
Avery-Stoss said it is also important to consider student participation in rigorous coursework as well as enrollment in college coursework during high school.
Advanced or accelerated course participation during the 2021- 2022 school year ranged from 0% to 55% in several districts. The average among all districts in the region was around 29%.
College course enrollment among high school students ranged from 0% to just over 81%. The Luzerne County district average was 15%, the average among Lackawanna County districts was 27%, and the Wayne County average was 79%. For Lackawanna County, college course enrollment is still significantly lower than it was during the 2019-2020 school year. Wayne and Luzerne Counties saw their averages increase.
Indicators reveal status of higher
education attainment in NEPA
In 2020-2021, 7,185 degrees were awarded in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties — including 1,782 certificates and two-year degrees, 3,066 four-year degrees, and 2,337 postgraduate degrees.
The greatest number of degrees conferred were for registered nursing (521 completions), general business administration and management (421 completions), and accounting (289 completions).
Certificates and two-year credentials were most commonly awarded in liberal arts and sciences, licensed practical nursing, registered nursing, and criminal justice.
There has appeared to be a downward trajectory in total degrees awarded since the pandemic, but despite the setbacks posed by COVID-19, Avery-Stoss said Northeastern Pennsylvania's impressive and varied group of higher education institutions will continue to be an asset in preparing students for success in the workforce.
Ultimately, more than 10% of the work forces in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties have earned an associate's degree. More than one-quarter of Luzerne County's population aged 25 and older have earned a bachelor's degree or higher (which is the case for nearly 31% in Lackawanna County and nearly 20% in Wayne County).
"At the K-12 level and beyond, the quality of the education and training received by residents and workers directly correlate with the success of a region's economy," added Avery-Stoss. "Pay level often links to high-skill jobs, which in turn links to level of education, so higher educational attainment and enhanced training can lead to greater economic opportunity and a more competitive workforce."
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Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
