Reports

Each program and policy supported by America’s Edge business leaders is backed by solid research demonstrating these investments will strengthen businesses and the economy, while improving the lives of children and youth.

Proven Investments: Overview of America’s Edge Research

 Testimonies from America’s Edge Members:

“Investments in pre-kindergarten programs have a return of as much as 16 percent. These figures include future public savings on special education, corrections and welfare.  As a banker, I agree that something of this value would not sit on the private market very long. It would be quickly invested.”

–Bob Davis, Chief Financial Officer, Border Trust, Harpswell, ME

“For every $1 invested in early care and education in New York, $1.86 is generated in additional sales of local goods and services within the state. That’s impressive – the same amount generated by an investment in construction and higher than investments in transportation, manufacturing or utilities.”

–F. Michael Tucker, CEO/President, Center for Economic Growth, Albany, NY

The (Linked Learning) Pathways Program makes a lot of sense for kids today because it connects what they’re learning in the classroom to the skills our businesses need today and into the future It’s important that young people understand what it takes to get a good job in today’s economy.”

– John Corkins, General Manager, Research for Hire, Porterville, CA

America’s Edge Reports by State: 

California:

• Can California Compete? Reducing the Skills Gap and Creating a Skilled Workforce through Linked Learning, America’s Edge, June 2012. (released in L.A. with research specific to Los Angeles county)
• Can California Compete? Reducing the Skills Gap and Creating a Skilled Workforce through Linked Learning, America’s Edge, May 2011.

Illinois:

• Making Sangamon County Competitive: Investing in Early Learning to Help Close the Skills Gap, America’s Edge, April 2013.
• Upgrading Illinois’ Workforce: The Case for Investing in High-Quality Early Education, America’s Edge, May 2012.
• Strengthening Illinois Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, March 2011.
• Strengthening Illinois Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, April 2010.

Kansas:

• Strengthening Kansas Businesses Through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, April 2012.

Maine:

• Keeping Maine Competitive: Reducing our skills Gap Through Innovative Education Models and Rigorous Standards, America’s Edge, May 2013.
• Boosting Maine’s Economy: Short- and Long-Term Economic Gains through Quality Early Learning, America’s Edge, January 2013.

• Strengthening Maine Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, April 2011.

Michigan:

• Strengthening Michigan Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, March 2011.

Missouri:

• Strengthening Missouri Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, March 2013.

Montana:

• Ready to Compete? Ensuring Montana’s Global Success Through Proven Investments in Kids, America’s Edge, September 2012.
• Strengthening Montana Businesses Through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, May 2011.

New York:

• Ensuring the Capital Region’s Global Success: Reversing our “skills gaps” through high school education models, America’s Edge, May 2013.
• Long Island: Boosting New York’s Economy: Short- and Long-Term Economic Gains through Quality Early Learning, America’s Edge, February 2013
• Albany: Boosting New York’s Economy: Short- and Long-Term Economic Gains through Quality Early Learning, America’s Edge, February 2012.
• Strengthening New York Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, March 2010.
• Early Education Works: Illinois Business Leaders Say Rough Times Warrant Continued Investment in Human Capital, America’s Edge, 2009.

North Carolina: 

• Ensuring North Carolina’s Global Success, America’s Edge, March 2013.
• Strengthening North Carolina Businesses Through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, November 2012.

Oregon: 

• Oregon Must Compete, America’s Edge, April 2013

Pennsylvania:

• Strengthening Pennsylvania Businesses through Investments in Early Care and Education, America’s Edge, February 2011.

Washington:

• Boosting Washington’s Economy: Short- and Long-Term Economic Gains through Quality Early Learning, America’s Edge, December 2012.
• The Skills Gap: Reversing Washington’s Lack of Skilled Workers Through Early Learning, America’s Edge, February 2011.

Wyoming:

• Ready to Compete? Ensuring Wyoming’s Global Success Through Proven Investments in Kids, America’s Edge, October 2012.