Conclusion The results of this research suggest that income gains are disproportionately going to college graduates in Wisconsin, leading to increased income inequality. Moreover, these results are consistent with data showing a clear shortage of college-educated workers in Wisconsin (Patterson). According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), 30 of Wisconsin’s 50 hottest jobs through the year 2030 will require some form of postsecondary education — a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or postsecondary certificate. Therefore, the DWD emphasizes the need for Wisconsin to “attract and retain” skilled workers and educate workers to meet the technological requirements of our global economy. As it stands, the number one barrier to higher education is affordability, with the “upper- and middle-classes having greater access to education expansion than the lower class” (Wells). This fact may help explain the increased income gap in well-educated counties. Going forward, a concerted effort will be needed to increase equal access to four-year universities, technical colleges, postsecondary certificate programs, and other educational alternatives. In doing so, Wisconsin can meet the growing demand for skilled labor and begin to close the income gap. Thank You! After spending hours upon hours conducting this
econometric research, I had the privilege of presenting these findings to legislators and other leaders at the Wisconsin State Capitol for Research in the Rotunda. Thank you to professors Scott Wallace and Sujana Kabiraj for helping guide me through the process. This was the greatest opportunity of my college career!
Central Wisconsin Report - Spring 2023
31
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog