Post-Secondary & Workforce Readiness

Leverage the “Top State for Talent” initiative
to ensure more Georgians can achieve quality of life by earning credentials of value.

2033 Big Bet

Building a system of coordinated and aligned post-secondary pathways that ensure Georgians acquire skills and earn credentials that meet employers’ needs. 

Key Outcome

Accelerate attainment rates for underserved groups by at least 30% by 2033. 

Policy Context

In 2023, 42.2% of Georgians had earned credentials of value – degrees, certificates, or certifications that produce a 15% income premium above what residents with high school diplomas earn.  

To reach the North Star goal of 65% credential attainment, Georgia’s leaders should address affordability challenges by drawing on new investments from state, civic, and corporate partners.  

By leveraging the Top State for Talent initiative, communities can develop regional talent strategies that forge greater alignment between post-secondary programs and regional workforce needs, while also accelerating opportunity for the 13% of residents with some college but no credential.  

State policymakers take pride in Georgia being the Number One State for Business. Georgia will retain this important distinction if state leaders also strive to be the Top State for Post-Secondary Opportunity.  

Recommendations

The EdQuest Coalition champions a three-part strategy to improve completion rates:  

  • Affordability: State leaders should redesign student aid and institutional funding strategies to ensure investments expand education opportunity and align with the state’s talent needs.
  • Alignment: Building on existing incentives, the General Assembly should fund initiatives that encourage the private sector to hire students as apprentices and interns.
  • Acceleration: State leaders should create an adult learner initiative that encourages residents with some college experience to earn credentials of value.  
Power Strategies

Expanding access to accelerated learning options so that students can earn post-secondary credits or credentials while enrolled in high school.

Creating a comprehensive, statewide need-based financial aid program that makes post-secondary options more accessible for youth and working adults.

Expanding and deepening incentives for working adults to earn short-term post-secondary credentials in areas of workforce shortage.

Featured Coalition Members
  • Georgia Military College
  • Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC)
  • Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG)
Resources
POST-SECONDARY & WORKFORCE PROFILE