Governor Kim Reynolds announces Future Ready Iowa Alliance recommendations. Speaking to reporters Tuesday afternoon, Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg say the FRI alliance recommendations are a step in achieving the administration?s number one goal.
?It is an ambitous goal of 70% of Iowans in the workforce having education or training beyond high school by 2025. I?m grateful to the alliance for the time and expertise of it?s members that they?ve really invested over the past year to make recommendations and anxious to move them forward.?
This means 127,700 Iowans need to earn post-secondary degrees and other credentials.
?This will be a full all-out effort with employers, local schools, chambers of commerce, economic developers, non-profits, all dedicating time, money and energy to improve economic stability for Iowans,? Gregg said.
One recommendation is developing a grassroots strategy to engage the business community. Dan Houston is CEO Principal Financial Group.
?The group that came together were very metrics driven. They really believe profoundly that if executed properly and properly funded we can truly hit 70% of Iowans having post-secondary education to help propel their career,? Houston said.
Other recommendations include establishing the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and Future Ready Iowa Grant Program. Two, better align and expand the existing ecosystem of support for Iowans who are beginning or returning to complete college or career training. Three, to expand high-quality work-based learning experiences. Four, identify early academic approaches.
