Literacy Texas

2011 The Return on Investment (ROI) From Adult Education and Training

The McGraw-Hill Research Foundation recently released a report that analyzed the effect of education on state and local economies, Texas included.  The current sharp focus on deficit reduction in Washington, DC, and in state capitals around the country obscures the very real economic benefits U.S. society derives from its public investment in adult education and workforce development programs.

The Many Benefits of Increasing Education Levels

A better-educated population benefits a nation and society in a myriad of ways.  According to the McGraw-Hill report the public economic benefits of adult education include:
—Increased tax revenues
—Greater business productivity
—Increased consumption
—Increased workforce flexibility
—Decreased reliance on government financial support

The economic benefits that accrue to individuals include:
—Higher salaries and benefits
—Enhance employment opportunities and stability
—Higher savings levels
—Improved working conditions and
—Personal/professional mobility

Results give further evidence that adult education and career training is a cost effective tool to help the government save money by improving and expanding the nation’s availble income by assisting and motivating under educated people to attain gainful employment. The study summarizes by stating, “If these adults possessed a diploma or GED, their annual net fiscal contribution to national, state, and local governments would increase by $13.5 billion. If they attended college, the annual net fiscal contribution would increase by another $10.6 billion.” They also summarized by saying, “If the nation reaches the Commission’s projected goals, our adult learners’ fiscal contributions to national, state and local government will more than offset the cost of paying for the build up of America’s new Adult Education and Workforce Skills system.”

We invite you to read the full report by visiting McGraw-Hill Foundation.
6/2011