RALEIGH, NC — When Governor Cooper presents his budget to the legislature Wednesday, officials say he will announce a new education plan aimed at making North Carolina a “Top 10 Educated State” by 2025.
According to a release sent out Tuesday, the governor’s plan would move NC into the top 10 ranked states in the following areas:
- Early Childhood: Increase the enrollment of four year olds in pre-kindergarten from current 22 percent to 55 percent.
- K-12 Schools: Improve the high school graduation rate from current 85.6 percent to 91 percent.
- Higher Education: Increase the percentage of adults with higher education degrees from current 38.7 percent to 55 percent.
βEducation is the key to opportunity and ensuring our students are ready for jobs in a 21st century economy,β said Governor Cooper. βMaking North Carolina a Top 10 Educated state is the backbone for a strong economy, attracting good paying jobs, helping incomes rise and keeping our communities vibrant. I look forward to announcing my proposals to boost our education system and working with Democrats and Republicans to reach common ground and move our state forward.β
The governor says his budget plan will include investments in NC Pre-K, Smart Start, and public school funding to help achieve these new goals. New scholarship ideas will also be included to help make higher education more affordable.
The Governor Cooper is expected to present his budget plan tomorrow.
