This is the percentage of workers in our region that have credentials beyond a high school diploma. The way we work is changing rapidly. There is a high demand for skilled workers, those that have degrees, workforce certificates, industry certifications and other high-quality credentials. To increase this percentage of Southwest Floridians that have the skills and training needed to get into good jobs, we must work together to improve indicators from early childhood learning to post-high school education and even employer recruitment and hiring.

As of 2022, Southwest Florida needs to add 67,911 skilled workers to achieve the 55% goal.

Kindergarten readiness refers to a child’s ability to enter kindergarten with the skills, knowledge, and emotional maturity needed to succeed in a structured learning environment. It encompasses a variety of developmental areas, including cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language skills, that prepare children to thrive in school. Kindergarten readiness is crucial for setting children up for long-term success in school and in life.

As of Fall 2022, Southwest Florida needs 5,745 more test takers to be ready for kindergarten to achieve the 100% target.

Third-grade reading proficiency is a critical milestone in a child's educational development, laying the groundwork for future learning and success. It’s a key indicator of academic achievement and can significantly impact a student’s trajectory throughout their education. Ensuring that children reach reading proficiency by the third grade is considered a key measure of educational effectiveness and a critical step in addressing achievement gaps. As such, third grade reading proficiency is often a focus of early intervention programs, curriculum adjustments, and targeted support strategies to help struggling readers catch up before they fall too far behind.

As of the 2024 academic year, Southwest Florida needs 4,347 more third graders reading at proficiency level to reach the 85% target.

The high school graduation rate refers to the percentage of students who successfully completed their high school education within a set period, typically within four years of entering 9th grade. This rate can vary by location, demographic group, and type of school. High school graduation rates are a vital indicator of the health of an education system and its ability to prepare young people for success in adulthood. A high graduation rate is linked to positive outcomes for individuals and society, including better economic opportunities, reduced socioeconomic disparities, and stronger communities.

As of the 2023 academic year, Southwest Florida needs 1,700 more students to graduate from high school to meet the 90% target.

The FAFSA Completion Rate refers to the percentage of students who successfully complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is essential for determining eligibility for federal financial aid for college or vocational school. The completion rate is often tracked by individual high schools, states, and federal agencies to assess how many students are taking the necessary steps to apply for financial aid.

For high schools, the FAFSA completion rate can be a measure of how well students are being prepared for post-secondary education and whether they are accessing financial aid resources. Higher completion rates generally indicate that more students are taking advantage of financial support opportunities, which can reduce barriers to higher education and potential debt associated with education after high school.

FAFSA completion declined significantly in the fall of 2022, which is also when the region was impacted by Hurricane Ian and the FAFSA form was changed and delayed. Southwest Florida needs 2,110 more students to complete the FAFSA to achieve the 100% target.

Postsecondary fall enrollment refers to the number of students who enroll in colleges, universities, or other post-secondary educational institutions during the fall semester, typically in August or September. This data is typically collected by educational institutions, government agencies, or research organizations, and it represents both new and returning students. Postsecondary fall enrollment is a critical measure for tracking participation in higher education, guiding institutional decisions, informing policy, and understanding the broader economic and social trends related to education and career-readiness.

This indicator has decreased slightly since 2019.

Technical college enrollment refers to the process of students applying to and being admitted into technical colleges, which focus on career-oriented education. These institutions provide specialized training in various fields, including healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, and business, with programs often leading to certifications, diplomas, or associate degrees. Technical college enrollment plays a crucial role in preparing students for meaningful careers while meeting labor market demands and supporting economic development.

This indicator decreased significantly in the Fall of 2022 after making its largest increase in 2021. Several schools saw declines in the Fall of 2022, which is also when the region was significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian.

Postsecondary completion refers to successfully finishing an education or training program beyond high school, such as a college degree, vocational certification, or similar qualifications. These programs are offered by institutions like universities and community colleges. Postsecondary completion is a key driver for personal and societal advancement, providing individuals with the tools to succeed in a knowledge-driven economy.

As of 2022, Southwest Florida needs an additional 2,467 students to complete post-secondary education in 150 percent of normal time.

Technical college completion refers to successfully finishing a program or earning a degree, diploma, or certificate from a technical or vocational college. These institutions provide specialized education and training focused on equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for specific careers, often in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, IT, automotive repair, culinary arts, and more. Completing technical college is vital for individuals seeking to build rewarding careers and for society, as it supports economic development and workforce competitiveness.

The number of startup businesses in a region is an important metric because it serves as a key indicator of economic vitality, innovation, and the overall health of the local business ecosystem.

These data points are a preliminary attempt to describe the current Southwest Florida entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Data & Reporting Team is continuing to explore the available data sources to determine the best methods to estimate the Resilience & Diversification Team outcomes.

Employment share by industry refers to the percentage of the total workforce employed in specific economic sectors or industries. It provides insight into the composition of a country's labor market and highlights which industries are the most significant employers. The employment share by industry is an essential economic indicator because it provides insights into the structure, health, and dynamics of an economy.

These data points are a preliminary attempt to describe the current Southwest Florida entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Data & Reporting Team is continuing to explore the available data sources to determine the best methods to estimate the Resilience & Diversification Team outcomes.

The unemployment rate is a key economic indicator that measures the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking work during a specific period. By monitoring this rate, economists, policymakers, and businesses can better understand labor market trends and overall economic conditions.

Average annual wages refer to the total amount of income earned by workers over a year

Average annual wages refer to the mean yearly income earned by workers in a specific group, industry, region, or country. This metric is typically calculated by dividing the total wages paid to all workers in a defined group by the number of workers in that group. Average annual wages are an indicator of economic mobility.