College cost is top barrier to meeting workforce demands in Georgia - Jarrett Carter, Education Dive

A new report paints a bleak picture for college access and workforce sustainability in the state of Georgia, suggesting the state must create a comprehensive need-based scholarship to support its growing industrial demand. The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education reveals the cost of higher education, particularly within its community and technical colleges, has increased by more than 60% over the last 10 years, and enrollment in these schools declined over the same period. While the number of Pell grant-eligible students, along with African American and Hispanic enrollment has each increased by more than 35% over the last five years, only 30% of students in these students are receiving state-funded, merit-based scholarships compared to 46% of white students. http://www.educationdive.com/news/college-cost-is-top-barrier-to-meeting-workforce-demands-in-georgia/433803/