RICHMOND, VA — Growth4VA today released survey results from its recent statewide polling showing that large bipartisan majorities believe providing degrees and credentials that prepare Virginians to succeed in the new economy is the most important investment the state can make. The polling release comes as Growth4VA has begun a statewide effort to encourage increased state investment in Virginia’s colleges, universities, and community colleges.
While public opinion is mixed regarding the value of higher education in other states, Virginia voters express pride in their top-ranked higher education system and applaud its impact in attracting job-creating investments. More than 80 percent in both parties say our colleges, universities, and community colleges are “well run” and a “sound place to invest public dollars.”
The survey results show voters recognize the value of higher education credentials in the job market, and believe that an array of affordable talent pathways that lead to Virginia-based jobs can accomplish multiple priorities: providing the skilled workforce needed to fuel business growth; keeping talented young people in the state after graduation; and providing affordable and equitable access to all Virginians, including first-generation, low-income, and other under-represented students.
Growth4VA is a statewide coalition of business, education and community leaders and grassroots supporters that is calling on the Governor and General Assembly to invest in higher education. A project of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council (VBHEC), the group has released policy recommendations supporting its four strategic goals (Talent, Affordability, Innovation, and Opportunity).
VBHEC chair Dennis H. Treacy said, “The polling data confirms what we in the business community hear every day: Virginians support transformational investments that will make higher education affordable and create pathways to Virginia-based jobs for all students regardless of their backgrounds. We cannot sit back as neighboring states continue to out-invest Virginia by thousands per in-state student. Virginians want their leaders to make critical investments in higher education, and the time to act is now.”
Further findings in the statewide surveys include:
- Virginians in both parties see higher education as a good value for students and a catalyst for economic growth in the Commonwealth;
- There is bipartisan consensus that Virginia’s higher education system provides Virginia a competitive advantage in attracting investment and remaining the top state for business
- Virginians in both parties support talent pathways as a way to reduce the time and cost it takes to get a degree and a job.
- Virginians are more likely to vote for elected officials who support higher education investments that will make college affordable and accessible for all Virginia students.
The polling was conducted in February-March of 2021 and was comprised of two surveys that together reached more than 1600 general election voters.
###
To learn more about Growth4VA click here.