Employers are looking for positive practical steps they can take to increase equity amongst employees. Increasing access to education is a powerful tool to support those objectives. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Attaining and developing appropriate skills is the key to growth within your career and your company. More than two-thirds of jobs will require some post-high-school learning by 2027 and employees who have degrees can expect as much as a 167% salary bump over those who do not.
Yet employees in underrepresented demographic groups are still experiencing challenges in gaining access to higher education opportunities that can advance careers and provide equity in the workplace. Research shows multiple barriers to education for people of color. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 15% of Hispanic and 21% of Black adults have been able to achieve a Bachelor's degree, compared to 35% of white adults. In addition, Black college graduates owe, on average, $7,400 more in student loan debt than their white peers.
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