Policy Priorities

Investing in Our Youngest Children

In 2012, America’s Edge is focusing on proven programs with the highest returns on investment for businesses – programs that target children from the age of birth to five, and programs that help high school students develop the skills to succeed in both career and post-secondary education.  The foundation for social and fundamental education skills is developed during a child’s earliest years.  Ensuring high-quality early care and education programs for all children in America is critical to sustaining and strengthening businesses, the economy, and communities.

“High-quality early education helps cultivate the skills our future workforce needs by giving young children a solid foundation in critical early social skills and academic skills necessary for success in the future workplace.”
 
-Julia Christian, Executive Director, CHAMPS (Capital Hill’s Chamber of Commerce), Washington, D.C.

Employers need to hire people who have the hard skills – reading, writing and math – and the soft skills – communication, collaboration and critical thinking.  Research confirms the most important factor in developing these skills is quality early care and education programs – and the earlier we start, the better the outcomes.

Children who participate in these programs may:

  • Increase pre-math skills by as much as 21%;
  • Increase pre-reading skills by as much as 52% – 74% for low-income children;
  • Cut special education placements by as much as 43% ;
  • Increase graduation rates by as much as 44%; and
  • Increase median earnings by as much as 36%.

Investing in High School Students

In 2012, America’s Edge is focusing on a skills building and job training model known as “Career Academies,” because strong evidence demonstrates that it has a positive earnings impact for youth, and helps develop the skills employers need them to have to compete in a global economy.  These schools:

  • Integrate rigorous academics, relevant career technical, and support services
  • Provide internships and real work experience for youth who have a desire to gain practical job skills;
  • Provide job training and high school education curricula that will allow students to continue beyond high school; and
  • Serve youth from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.

Research shows that youth who participated in Career Academies were making 11% more money and working 12% more hours per week than those not in the program.  Higher earnings translate into more buying power, which is good for local businesses, and higher tax revenues, which is good for communities.

Promising results from these programs also indicate that they increase skill levels, graduation rates, and enrollment in post-secondary education and training.