Achieve
Preparing the next
generation of leaders
In 2015, state lawmakers made a record investment in
Washington’s future, adding $1.3 billion in new education
funding. And for the first time ever, lawmakers cut tuition at
the state’s two- and four-year colleges and universities.
AWB was there throughout the legislative process, advocating
for these and other investments in today’s young people. We
understand that a healthy economy depends upon a skilled,
trained and educated workforce.
We helped launch Opportunity Washington with our partners,
the Washington Roundtable and the Washington Research
Council. The initiative is focused on three guiding priorities
(Achieve, Connect and Employ), starting with education.
We understand that a healthy
economy depends upon a skilled,
trained and educated workforce.
And education is the focus of one of the five strategies AWB
adopted last year as part of a new Strategic Plan. We’re calling
on lawmakers and employers to work together to create and
deliver a high-caliber education and workforce development
system aligned with the demands of the 21st century.
We worked in other ways to prepare the next generation, too.
Leadership Washington, the AWB Institute program aimed at
training and preparing the next generation of leaders, saw the
graduation of its inaugural class in 2015, and the launch of
its second class.
And through the AWB Institute, we continue to work closely
with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical
Colleges to train the next generation of workers and open
pathways for success.
Opportunity abounds, both for today’s young people and for
employers, if we ensure access to affordable, high-quality
education for all.
70%
By 2020, 70 percent
of Washington jobs will
require post-secondary
education or training.
21st in nation
Washington’s education
system ranks 21st in the
nation in the Opportunity
Scorecard, a ranking
that compares reading
and math performance,
high school graduation
and degrees awarded in
STEM fields.
$3.9 billion
Additional education
funding approved by
lawmakers in last two
state budget cycles.