Dworkin: Education cures poverty

Published in Michigan City News-Dispatch, November 18, 2007
The following commentary was written by QLC Vice-chairman and Chancellor of Purdue North Central, James Dworkin.

Is Northwest Indiana a "Community of Opportunity"? If not, how do we ensure that all residents have an opportunity to succeed and achieve some form of financial well being and security?

In 2004, the Quality of Life Council made a detailed study of 11 different factors impacting various economic, social, educational, physical and cultural aspects of life in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. The study results, as summarized in the "Quality of Life Indicators," take an objective look at the current status of key issues facing us, and serve as a guide in creating a positive plan for the future.

The Quality of Life Indicator "Community of Opportunity" looked at issues of income and poverty in Northwest Indiana. It found that we are an area of vast economic contrasts.

The study assigned a grade of "D" to the "Community of Opportunity" indicator, assessing it as "stagnant." Everyone who has ever suffered through a pop quiz or forgot a homework assignment knows that a grade of D is poor, and in most cases, unacceptable.

Like many students who have been dinged by a D grade, we want to improve. To do that, we must understand why we got the D in the first place.

The 2004 Quality of Life Indicators noted Northwest Indiana has a growing divide between what it termed "those who have" and "those who have not." This was not meant as a condemnation of any individuals or groups. Rather it was meant as a call to action. The report noted that there is enough common ground in Northwest Indiana to provide a "sufficient foundation for a community-wide crusade against the persistent poverty that plagues the region."

According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, in 2006 the median household income in Lake County was $46,436; in LaPorte County it was $47,043 and in Porter County, $56,710. Statewide, it was $45,394.

That same year, the average poverty level for a family of four was $20,614. 

On paper, we seem to compare favorably to the state. Let's look a little deeper.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2006 Lake County had an unemployment rate of 5.8 percent, higher than the state average of 5.0. LaPorte County saw a 5.7 percent unemployment rate and Porter County, 4.4 percent.

We know many factors and complex issues surround income, earnings and unemployment rates. To fully understand these issues we must look at the number, the types and the stability of the businesses in a community, the number of jobs offered, their quality and income potential.

We must also look at the individuals in the workforce. Their qualifications, experience, education, readiness and willingness to work all come into play.

One of the most reliable ways to increase employability, earning power and economic stability is through education and training.

According to a report published by The College Board, the average full-time worker with a four-year degree earned $50,900 in 2005, compared to the $31,500 earned by the worker with only a high school diploma.

In 2005, the unemployment rate for persons without a high school diploma was 9.0 percent, while the jobless rate for college graduates was 2.3 percent.

In addition, employer-provided pension plans were available to 69 percent of college graduates; 66 percent of associate degree recipients, 53 percent of high school graduates and 32 percent of those who did not complete high school.

Employer-provided health insurance was offered to 67 percent of college educated employees compared to 51 percent of employed high school graduates.

These numbers indicate that education does help improve an individual's opportunities for success. With a recent Johns Hopkins University report calling three area high schools "dropout factories," we must work on increasing our area's educational attainment and access to education.

The Quality of Life report urged the Northwest Indiana community to reduce poverty by 20 percent by 2010. The report acknowledges this challenge will require the public, private and non-profit sectors to work together on a solution.

Together, we can create a community of opportunity and we will all benefit in the long run. But it all starts with education!


Dr. James B. Dworkin is Chancellor of Purdue University-North Central.