55 by 25 2023 Report

THE PURPOSE
In 2019, One Acadiana and regional partners launched the 55 by 25 initiative to address the economic
and moral imperative for increasing educational attainment. To ensure Acadiana is globally competitive,
the region requires a strong and well-educated workforce. No accomplishment will be more critical to
our future as a region.
For many years, the blessings of the oil & gas industry – where one could earn a good living without
a postsecondary degree – created an environment where higher education was desirable but not
essential. As our regional economy evolves, many more of our citizens will need postsecondary
degrees and high-value credentials to equip them for good jobs and good wages.
“Increasingly, the level of education of a community’s population is becoming
a decisive factor in economic competitiveness. Firms understand the need to
operate in economies that offer a sufficient supply of workers that meet or
exceed their demands. They also know that the lack of an educated
workforce can significantly affect business performance.”
— Garner Economics,
One Acadiana Target Industry Strategy
THE VISION
• An equitable education system that meets the region’s need for talent and offers all Acadiana
residents the chance for a better life through increased educational attainment
THE GOAL
• Increasing the proportion of working-age adults in Acadiana with postsecondary degrees,
certificates, or other high-value credentials to 55% by 2025.
55 by 25 partners are focused on supporting programs and pathways that provide job seekers with
the opportunities and resources they need to gain education and training to secure good jobs and
good wages.
This year, we’re putting special focus on strengthening partnerships between industry and education.
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