Overwhelming Support in New Survey Underscores
Arizona's Longstanding Commitment to Building a Highly Educated and
Skilled Population
PHOENIX, Sept. 20,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Center for the Future of
Arizona (CFA) today shares an
update from its latest 2024 Arizona Voters' Agenda survey, with
insights into voters' views on education issues. Arizonans are
voicing clear ambitions for the future, with overwhelming support
for policies that expand access to higher education and strengthen
K-12. As the state approaches the 2024 general election, voters
agree on concrete actions to meet Arizona's goals, especially in achieving
higher post-secondary attainment rates.
Consistent with CFA's long-standing research on Arizona's Shared Public Values, the latest
findings from the 2024 Arizona Voters' Agenda show that voters
across political and generational lines overwhelmingly agree that a
highly educated and skilled population is vital for Arizona's long-term success. The data reflect
a broad consensus among voters that Arizona must do more to increase
post-secondary attainment and prioritize investments in higher
education.
"Arizonans are telling us loud and clear that they want a future
built on access to quality education and opportunity for all," said
Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President
& CEO of CFA. "They see post-secondary attainment, supported by
a strong K-12 system, as the foundation of that future, and they
expect leaders to take decisive action to make it a reality."
Post-Secondary Attainment: A Critical Goal for Arizona's Future
Arizona voters are calling for a greater focus
on post-secondary attainment. Eighty-five percent of voters agree
that the state needs to increase the number of students who pursue
and complete education or training beyond high school. This
includes 76% of Republicans, 82% of independent and unaffiliated
voters, 97% of Democrats, as well as 86% of voters without children
under 18 living at home. Voters recognize that higher
education—whether through universities, community colleges, or
technical schools—is vital to developing the skilled workforce
needed for Arizona's long-term
success.
The Arizona Education Progress Meter shows that only 48% of
Arizona's recent high school
graduates are enrolling in trade schools, community colleges, and
universities the year after graduating, and only 30% are completing
a degree or certificate of any kind within 6 years of graduating
high school. Read more
Contact:
Heather Thornton, heather.thornton@arizonafuture.org,
602.538.2274
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SOURCE Center for the Future of Arizona