The Board’s role in helping to achieve this is grounded in its unique constitutional and statutory responsibility for governance and oversight of all public education in the state.  This includes K-12 school districts and charter schools, career & technical education, community colleges, and public colleges and universities.

Research has proven time and time again the benefits of obtaining some form of postsecondary education, such as a career-technical certificate or associate or bachelor’s degree.  One such benefit is increased earning potential in the workplace.  In fact, this wage premium, as it’s called, is enough to compensate for any student loans and the opportunity cost of being out of the workforce while in college.  In addition, it is estimated that by the year 2020 over 60% of the jobs in Idaho will require workers who have some form of postsecondary education.  That’s why I personally believe that providing access to quality and affordable public postsecondary education is an economic imperative for the residents of our state.

This belief motivates me to advocate for, and develop, policies and processes to that end.  For example, did you know that every year the State Board of Education automatically admits every graduating high school senior to six or more of the state’s colleges?  The program is called Direct Admissions, and it’s the only one of its kind in the nation.

Whether you are a student, parent or educator, the college process can be intimidating, but we are here to help!  At nextsteps.idaho.gov you can learn about Idaho’s colleges and universities, how to apply to college, what scholarships you may be eligible for, and more.  This user-friendly resource is developed and hosted by the State Board of Education, so it’s a free, objective source you can trust.

I hope that you find the information you are looking for on this site, if not please feel free to contact us. 

Never stop learning!

Matt Freeman