The approach is less common in rural areas, but the concept of supplying opportunity, knowledge and support is ideally suited for a small community like Patrick to bring hope to its students, Baliles said. A key part of the program will involve the participation of the county's retired teachers to recruit former students to return to an expanded GED program to get their high school diploma. If half of that number participate in the program over the next ten years the county would move to 29th overall and second among rural peers. An additional 4,546 residents will need to pursue advanced degrees to reach the top five. School board chairman Rickie Fulcher thanked Gov. Baliles for his vision.
Education is the key to understanding and growth.
This foundation will give us as individuals and businesses another opportunity to become involved in that process. Technology is what is making the world a smaller place. Those localities that take steps to prepare their workforce to be able to have the skills to work with technology will be the localities that will grow with the new global economy. Today, the biggest concern of businesses looking at an area is the availability of a skilled and educated workforce. He proclaimed the EDC's support for the proposal.