The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has always believed strongly that business–education partnerships are essential if we are to achieve both high-quality education at all levels and a diverse and vibrant local economy. The growing complexities of technology and the work process confer a premium on skilled, talented people. This, in turn, calls for first-rate education systems. Employers want to locate in areas with pools of well-educated workers; employees value strong schools for their children, and they want continuing education opportunities for their own job security and advancement. Talented graduates fuel the economy.
Consider the following:
- 90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States require education and training past high school
- 63 percent of high-wage, high-growth jobs in the next decade will require a bachelor’s degree
- A 1 percent increase in college graduates in a region’s workforce increases wages by 1.3 percent
Businesses in Eugene-Springfield have long demonstrated a readiness to play an active role in educational enhancement. Frankly, their motives are appropriately self-serving — a steady stream of well-trained young men and women is a major contributor to the vitality of all companies. I have found businesses more than willing to provide tours, guest speakers, work-experience programs, mentoring, job-shadowing opportunities, curriculum support, grants, scholarships and much more.
This Chamber has advanced and supported programs to connect students with career information (Lane County Career Fair) and business mentoring that addresses middle school literacy (Literacy Partners). It has also celebrated excellence in our public schools (ACE Awards) and supported community stewardship (Future First Citizen).
If human capital is the driver of future economic prosperity, then our region — through a host of business and education partnerships — is well-positioned for success.
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