Why upliftED?
UpliftED’s work is grounded and informed by the most recent data and trends published by some of the most influential student success think tanks in Florida and beyond. UpliftED uses the data to not only inform our work, but we also share it with our Network so that our partners can also be data-informed and design programs, resources and tools that are relevant and impact.
Below you will find several data points and research briefs that have formed upliftED as it is today. Your journey to understanding why upliftED exists starts with the Talent Strong Florida video created by Florida College Access Network.
Did You Know…
72% of jobs will require education beyond high school by 2031. (Source: Georgetown Center for Workforce and Education, March 2024 report)
Expanding College Access, Participation, and Attainment Increases Prosperity in Florida. In fact, if you increase college enrollment by 10%, Florida will reap ANNUAL societal and fiscal benefits in the BILLIONS: $8.38B and $3.43B respectively. (Source: Helios Education Foundation, Florida Future Billions Report, 2024)
Orange: $723M ($52,290 per HS grad) in Social Benefits | $307M ($22,220 per HS grad) in Fiscal Benefits
Osceola: $222M ($43,340 per HS grad) in Social Benefits | $91M ($17,820) per HS grad) in Fiscal Benefits
Seminole: $262M ($56,330 per HS grad) in Social Benefits | $105M ($22,470) per HS grad) in Fiscal Benefits
92% of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA will enroll in college by November of their graduation year vs 51% who did not complete a FAFSA. (Source: NCAN)
It is easy to see the connection between increasing the FAFSA completion rate and increasing college enrollment which can lead to a prosperous Central Florida. This is why upliftED strives to provide resources, tools and direct services to students and their families to ensure enrollment, persistence and completion. Completion leads to higher paying jobs. Click here to learn more about “Talent Strong Florida: Higher Education, Higher Rewards” and access more data and research briefs on the Florida College Access Network’s website.
Who Do We Target and Why?
We not only target first generation college students who may come from low-income families, but we also help ALICE through Education for Employment
Who is ALICE? You see ALICE every day. You may be ALICE or you may work with ALICE. ALICE are those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE works at least one job, but very possibly more than one just to make ends meet. ALICE is hard-working, yet one emergency away from financial ruin. In fact, 47% of households in Central Florida — including ALICE households — are struggling to make ends meet.
By County: ALICE & Households in Poverty:
Orange: 32% & 15% | Osceola: 37% & 13% | Seminole: 33% & 10%
Where Do We Stand Now with Attainment?
We Are Headed in the Right Direction!
Since 2015, the Central Florida region has increased its degree attainment by nearly 10%. We are up from 42.6% to 51% as a region (as of 2023 - the latest attainment data available from Florida College Access Network).
County Attainment Rates (with County Rank):
Orange: 51.6% (5 of 67) | Osceola: 42.6% (24 of 67) | Seminole: 56.7% (4 of 67)
Click to review the Degree Attainment Profile for the upliftED Region and each county.