Workplace Competency and Adult Literacy - Many Kentucky workers, young and old alike, lack the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to emerging technologies that keep businesses and industries competitive. And, many in our current and future workforce lack even the basic competencies in reading, math, communications, problem-solving, and decision-making to participate as effective members in today's team-oriented workplace.

In our service area, 45% of our workforce is 'substandard' by today's criteria in literacy skills; nearly 20% of our citizens live below the poverty level. We must combat adult illiteracy as a fundamental barrier to prosperity in our society.



Educational Attainment - Two-thirds of the new jobs created in Kentucky over the next five years will require some type of postsecondary education and training, especially in high-tech occupations. The 2000 census shows that only 22 percent of Kentuckians over the age of 25 have completed an associate or higher college degree.



That translates into 78 percent of our current working-age adults lack the postsecondary education and training to succeed in the jobs of the future. This problem is made worse by higher than average secondary school dropout rates, uneven access to postsecondary resources, and low motivation by many citizens to further their education.

Aging Workforce - Most of Kentucky's workers for the next 20 years are already on the job and are struggling to keep pace with rapid changes. Because the "baby boomers" are expected to live and work longer than any previous generation in history, they will require continuous retraining at greater rates and for longer periods to exceed the expectations of Kentucky's businesses and industries in the new economy. Replacing them when they retire with workers who possess equal or greater skills is a serious issue for many employers over the next 10 to 15 years, especially in the skilled trade areas.





Access to Education - In today's world, access to education includes access to technology. Those of our citizens who need education the most have virtually insurmountable barriers that prevent them from attending college. Barriers to access include problems with needed child care, financial aid, difficulties in family support structure, and inadequate or nonexistent transportation.

Math and Science Learning - Math and science skills are integral to today's job requirements. Although our region's math and science test scores for K-12 students have improved, they are not at an acceptable level compared to national scores.