Georgia’s businesses will need more than 250,000 additional college graduates by 2025, and odds are several small businesses and industries in Albany, GA will need those graduates. Through ‘Go Back. Move Ahead.” Georgia’s public colleges, universities and technical colleges are making it easier for students to return to college and earn their credentials by offering a simpler enrollment process, easier ways to transfer credit, more flexible course options and personal academic advisors.

“This initiative is an ideal match with what the Office of Military and Adult Education is already doing on the Darton State College Campus,” says Stefane Raulerson, director of military and adult education. “We recognize both the challenges and experiences adult learners bring to higher education. With ‘Go Back. Move Ahead.’ it’s a direct reflection of the State of Georgia colleges, universities and technical colleges making a concerted effort to continue fulfilling the needs of adult learners, but also increasing awareness to employers on the benefits of having employees with a college degree.”

Educating Georgia’s workforce keeps our state economically competitive, attracts new industries and allows existing businesses to expand. Advanced education leads to higher income, more spending power, greater civic involvement and higher voter participation – all of which are good for our state. A college degree also leads to greater employee retention, which is critical for growing businesses.

Remaining economically competitive.

• By 2025, more than 60% of jobs in Georgia will require a postsecondary degree. Currently, only 42% of the workforce is prepared to such a level.

• More than 35.8 million working-age adults nationwide have attended college but did not finish. Approximately 1.1 million Georgians fall into this category.

Increase retainment and satisfaction.

• Studies show that college graduates are more satisfied at work than those with a high school degree, and they stay at their jobs longer, too.

‘Go Back. Move Ahead.’ needs the support of business owners throughout the state to be successful. Providing the flexibility for your employees to return to school and earn a degree is good for the State of Georgia, good for your employees and good for you business.

How can employers help?

• Explore ways to offer educational time off for employees who are also going to school.

• Promote flexible schedules for employees in college – this assures them of your support for their educational and career aspirations.

• Consider corporate-funded scholarships – education is a win-win for the business and its employees.

• Evaluate your organization’s ability to provide employer-backed tuition reimbursement programs.

How Darton State College Adult Education can help employers?

• Darton State College representative can come to meet with businesses to discuss setting up a plan to encourage achieving a college degree through policies and possible corporate-funded scholarships.

• Darton State College can set up an employee fair at a business location to provide more information to employees on the benefits of having a college degree.

• Darton State College can assist in the easy enrollment process and serve as personal academic advisors.