A new study shows Georgia is losing over $24 billion and 200,000 jobs a year because of its high school drop-out rate. The study conducted by Georgia Southern University's Bureau of Business Research and Economic Development shows just how much it hurts the state's economy that over 17% of residents 25-and-older don't have a high school education.
The study's author Jeremy Hill says, if Georgia's graduation rate were the same as the nation's, Georgia's economy would gain about $2,000 for every man, woman and child in the state.
"If we were able to do that not only could we get more people employed and in better paying jobs directly, creating wealth, it would create other jobs indirectly," he said.
Study figures are from 2005 and do reflect an improvement over previous years, when drop-out rates were higher. This year, the state is hiring graduation coaches for every high school to boost graduation rates.
The study's author Jeremy Hill says, if Georgia's graduation rate were the same as the nation's, Georgia's economy would gain about $2,000 for every man, woman and child in the state.
"If we were able to do that not only could we get more people employed and in better paying jobs directly, creating wealth, it would create other jobs indirectly," he said.
Study figures are from 2005 and do reflect an improvement over previous years, when drop-out rates were higher. This year, the state is hiring graduation coaches for every high school to boost graduation rates.
