The need for higher education

The need for higher education

Register-Herald, Beckley, W. Va.: High school graduation season has come.

Our best wishes are with every graduate and their families as they embark on their futures.

It’s a great achievement to receive a high school diploma, one that nearly a quarter of those who start high school don’t see to completion in our state, sadly.

But an even worse statistic for education in West Virginia is the one that tracks those who continue on to college. Only about 60 percent of West Virginia high school graduates pursue higher education — at either the community college or university level.

Reasons to go forward

The job market is tough.

Getting a job is very competitive and getting more so.

More and more careers require more training or education.

We encourage the high school graduates in our region to strongly consider enabling themselves even further by seeking out their options in higher education.

A stronger, better educated and more productive workforce can only mean good things for our people, our region and our state.