The University of Idaho’s recently launched Brave. Bold. Campaign is seeking to increase Idaho’s education status nationally, a large step forwards for a state well known for its low performance rate in schools. According to the campaign working group’s white page brief, Idaho is currently one of the top two fastest growing states in the country.
This exciting news is hindered by the fact that Idaho, unfortunately, does not have the means to provide enough educated workers for its expanding population. In the white pages, the campaign states that “the lack of educated, workforce ready employees – especially in the fields of cybersecurity, healthcare, software development, agriculture and engineering – stands to threaten Idaho’s robust economy.” The pages go on to describe this plight, stating that many employers cannot find enough skilled workers within the state, leaving many to debate leaving the state entirely to go find a more qualified workforce.
Educated people being driven out of Idaho is a step in the wrong direction, if anything, we should be encouraging them to stay and improve our state’s credentials. UI hopes to help this mindset. With a fundraising goal of 500 million, the university is pushing towards more affordable higher education for its residents. Making higher education more affordable is in their vision, eliminating a boundary that causes many to steer away from college.
The motive behind this campaign is admirable, especially regarding Idaho’s low go-on rates, which measures what percentage of high school graduates go on to pursue higher education. The university taking initiative to make current students’ financial lives easier, as well as working on bringing new students in, is a step in the right direction. Idaho has failed to prioritize its education system for too long now, and we’re beginning to see the negative results.
By increasing funding opportunities and seeking to make higher education more accessible and affordable, UI is bridging the gap between the factors that hold so many back from pursuing college. Working to create a state full of educated individuals will improve the workforce, the education rates and quality of life for all. As a rapidly growing area, we should incorporate this mindset into growing out of our old-fashioned, out-of-date priorities and work towards creating an environment where people are knowledgeable about their trades and the world around them. Support Brave. Bold., support Idaho education.
- Editorial Board