State Opportunity Index: Strengthening the Link BEtween Education and Opportunity

MAY 2024

Created by: Strada Education Foundation

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This report aims to provide a comprehensive framework for improving the link between education and economic opportunity across the U.S. It is intended for policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and workforce development organizations. By focusing on five key priority areas—Clear Outcomes, Quality Coaching, Affordability, Work-Based Learning, and Employer Alignment—the report highlights the importance of aligning education systems with workforce needs to ensure individuals can achieve economic mobility. Through state-by-state analyses, it offers insights and recommendations for creating equitable pathways to success by strengthening education-to-employment outcome.

KEY INSIGHTS

• How does Hawaiʻi compare to other states in terms of our efforts to develop strong connections between education after high school and equitable pathways to opportunity?

  Clear Outcomes:

  • Strengths: Hawaiʻi is categorized as "Advanced" in terms of providing accessible education and employment data that helps students and families make informed decisions. This includes tracking graduate outcomes and offering data that can inform decision-making.

  • Opportunities for Improvement: Continued development of longitudinal data systems to track student outcomes from high school through employment and to ensure open data access for stakeholders.

  Quality Coaching:

  • Strengths: Based on national trends, all states are currently ranked as "Foundational" in providing coaching and guidance to help students navigate their career paths. This includes offering timely information on career and earnings possibilities and supporting students in setting goals and overcoming obstacles.

  • Opportunities for Improvement: Increasing the proportion of students who receive comprehensive career coaching to enhance their career readiness and satisfaction with their job placements.

  Affordability:

  • Strengths: Hawaiʻi falls in the "Developing" category for affordability, meaning students need to work 20-30 hours per week during the school year to cover the net price of education. Efforts to keep education within financial reach for all students are ongoing.

  • Opportunities for Improvement: Further reducing the financial burden on students by increasing grants, scholarships, and other financial aids to make education more affordable.

  Work-Based Learning:

  • Strengths: Based on national trends, all states are ranked as "Foundational" in providing paid internships and other work-based learning opportunities, indicating room for significant growth. These experiences are critical for connecting education to career aspirations and improving post-graduation job satisfaction.

  • Opportunities for Improvement: Expanding access to paid internships and apprenticeships to provide more students with practical, hands-on experiences that enhance their employability.

  Employer Alignment:

  1. Strengths: Hawaiʻi is "Foundational" in aligning education programs with employer needs, suggesting that there is significant potential to better connect graduates with high-demand, high-wage jobs.

  2. Opportunities for Improvement: Enhancing collaboration between educational institutions and employers to ensure that programs prepare students for the job market and that employers are involved in the development of curricula and training programs.

• How could Hawaiʻi ensure students are prepared for high-demand jobs?

  Data-Driven Insights: Hawaiʻi uses longitudinal data systems to track student outcomes and align educational programs with labor market demands. This includes collecting data on student earnings and employment post-graduation.

  Employer Collaboration: The state is working towards enhancing employer alignment by involving employers in program development and ensuring that educational programs meet industry needs.

• What are the financial barriers to accessing post-high school education in Hawaiʻi?

  Cost of Education: Hawaiʻi falls in the "Developing" category for affordability, with students needing to work 20-30 hours per week during the school year to cover education costs. This indicates that while efforts are being made, financial barriers still exist.

  Financial Aid: Increasing financial aid through grants, scholarships, and other support mechanisms is necessary to reduce the financial burden on students.

• How accessible are work-based learning opportunities for students in Hawaiʻi?

  Current Status: Based on the national landscape, all states are currently ranked as "Foundational" in providing work-based learning opportunities, indicating limited access to paid internships and apprenticeships.

  Improvements Needed: There is a need to expand access to these opportunities to ensure that more students can gain practical experience that connects their education to their career goals.

• How effective is career coaching in Hawaiʻi for post-high school students?

  Current Effectiveness: Based on national trends, all starters are currently ranked as “Foundational” in providing quality career coaching, which includes helping students understand education-to-career pathways, set goals, and overcome challenges.

  Further Development: Enhancing the reach and effectiveness of career coaching programs can further improve student outcomes and satisfaction with their career progress.

• How does Hawaiʻi compare in terms of graduate ROI (Return on Investment)?

  Positive ROI: A significant percentage of graduates in Hawaiʻi experience a positive ROI from their education, meaning their earnings premium over high school graduates is sufficient to repay the cost of their degree within 10 years. This is a key indicator of the financial value of post-high school education in the state.