Our region cannot thrive without keeping our educational assets strong and ensuring that educational opportunities are abundant. Over the past five years, partners throughout the region have worked to support access to educational opportunities that support learning, career-preparedness, and self-sufficiency. Significant progress has been made, with nearly 100% of action items developed in 2015 complete or ongoing. A new millage is supporting the expansion of CTE programs, a 5-year middle college program has been established in partnership with LSSU, and a new alliance between LSSU and the Les Cheneaux Culinary School has strengthened both institutions, to name just a few achievements in this area.

Some challenges remain. As the chart to the right demonstrates, although our region has a higher high school graduation rate than the national average, we lag behind in degree-holders. There is also wide-spread concern that jobs in professional positions such as carpenters, plumbers, and welders will remain unfilled as demand only rises due to new investment in the area. New strategies and action items will continue increasing access to educational opportunity. We need your input to develop a new set of actions to strengthen education in the region.

Here’s a snap shot of Education in the region:

Where are Eastern UP High School graduates going to college? Over 34% stay in the UP!

Source: mischooldata.org, last updated 9/11/2019

• 35% or more complete certificates and degree programs, while about 25% begin programs, but do not complete them.
• Since 2013, the percentage of high school graduates form the region who require remedial classes in college has been steadily declining.

How are high school graduates from the Eastern U.P. continuing their careers?

NB: The chart notes the graduate’s progress within 8 years of graduating, or to present. “Earned Award” category includes certificates, 2-year and 4-year degrees.