Hoosiers with just a high school diploma are 9% less likely to be employed than those who attend even some college. That’s according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.
The Indiana Youth Institute is hosting a forum in Lafayette to help those who work with students, focused on getting more into college or a certificate program.
Lafayette Adult Resource Academy director Trish Maxwell is one of the speakers. She plans to talk about the newly formed Tippecanoe County College Success Coalition.
"This is an effort to recognize - not only four-year colleges, though that's important - but two-year degrees, certifications, apprenticeships, military careers, all the things that can come after high school to give people a successful career."
Experts say increased educational attainment benefits the entire community through higher tax revenues and lower demands on social support programs.
Maxwell says the local effort is open to everyone.
"We want people from business, faith-based organizations, education, volunteer organizations, youth services organizations. We want a cross-section of participation from our community in this coalition."
The forum will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette, 3805 Fortune Dr., Lafayette, 47905. The office is located in the Star Furniture Plaza off Creasy Lane.
As part of IYI’s Youth Worker Café program, the forum is free and lunch will be served, but reservations are required by Tuesday, June 25. RSVP at www.iyi.org/YWC or by contacting Jillian Miller via phone at (765) 413-6049 or via email at jmiller@uw.lafayette.in.us.