The Louisiana Board of Regents is developing the new Louisiana Opportunity index to help measure how effectively Louisiana’s higher education system creates career opportunities for its students. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says the index allows campuses to assess whether they are career-connected.
“What does it look like in terms of workforce alignment of programs, retention of graduates in our state, participation in work-based learning, access to good career guidance?” Reed asked.
Louisiana has announced over $260 billion in economic investment across the state, and higher education officials are working to ensure their programs can develop students to meet the needs of a growing workforce. Reed says they want to make sure they are developing and retaining great talent in Louisiana.
“This takes a step beyond just making sure that the program offerings are aligned. It makes sure that we are actually engaging students to inform them about work-based learning opportunities in Louisiana,” Reed said.
Louisiana met its goal of awarding 85,000 postsecondary annual credentials four years early, but the index works to make sure those achievements translate to real opportunities. Reed says the index is designed to make sure officials are measuring things that matter.
“When you think about value, in higher education, what do students and families say is valuable? They would say that they’ve earned a credential that allows them to participate in this economy, and to thrive,” Reed noted.
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