Ten ways education makes a difference
Research shows some surprising benefits to a great education.
6/17/2019
People often say a great education is the best antidote to poverty. The research backs this up - a great public education has been linked to many positive outcomes for society.
According to the Partnership for Global Education and other sources, here are ten ways that public education benefits children and our community as a whole.
- Poverty reduction: 420 million people would be lifted out of poverty with a secondary education, thus reducing the number of poor worldwide by more than half.
- Taxpayer savings: Two-thirds of fourth graders who cannot read will end up in jail or on welfare, both of which cost taxpayers.
- Economic growth: Each additional year of schooling raises average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth by 0.37%.
- Environmental benefits: Green energy industries are increasingly relying on a highly skilled, innovative workforce.
- Reduction in maternal death rates: If all mothers completed primary education, maternal deaths would be reduced by two-thirds, saving 189,000 lives.
- Higher incomes: One extra year of schooling increases an individual's earnings by up to 10%.
- Healthier communities: Children of educated mothers are more likely to be vaccinated and less likely to be stunted because of malnourishment.
- Lower crime: Economists say young people with workforce skills are less likely to resort to criminal activity for income.
- Promotion of gender equality: One additional school year can increase a woman's earnings by 10% to 20%.
- Lower child mortality rates: A child whose mother can read is 50% more likely to live past the age of five.
That's why the Jacksonville Public Education Fund is committed to closing the opportunity gap in our community, working with school leaders, parents and teachers to elevate the quality of our public schools. We have made great progress, but we can't stop working until every child has the same great opportunity to succeed in school and in life.
You can make a difference in the lives of children and our community.