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2017 EDGE Report Card Shows Significant Educational Progress for DSM USA

November 14, 2017

GREATER DES MOINES, IOWA (Nov. 14, 2017) — A new report card shows positive progress toward a regional talent development goal. A total of 61.7 percent of working-age Greater Des Moines (DSM) residents in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s eight-county service area have completed education beyond high school. This is a 10.4 percentage point increase since 2008, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS).

The 61.7 percent measurement shows progress toward the Education Drives our Greater Economy (EDGE) shared regional goal of ensuring 75 percent of DSM working-age adults, or those in the 25-to-64-year-old age range, have degrees, certificates and other credentials by 2025 that align with workforce needs. Research shows more than 70 percent of jobs in DSM will require some postsecondary experience by 2025. The 75x25 goal addresses this need, and it will be met with a combination of attracting and retaining talented people in DSM, ensuring a strong cradle through career education system and providing opportunities for the current labor pool to gain new skills. ACS data also indicates that an additional 17.6 percent of the region’s working age adults have had some post-secondary experience but have yet to complete their education resulting in a degree, certification or credential award, indicating they are prime candidates to gain new skills and contribute toward the goal.

To help carry out these tactics, EDGE engages:

  • Local parents and prospective residents with Pre-K to higher education students
  • The business community to cultivate further upskilling of existing workforce
  • Working-age adults interested in gaining new or expanding career skills
  • An untapped talent pool, ensuring all are capable of reaching their full skill potential

“The latest numbers show significant progress, and our region’s business, community and education leaders must continue to work collaboratively to ensure DSM is meeting workforce demands,” said Mary Bontrager, Executive Vice President of Talent Development at The Partnership. “It is important that we continue to attract and retain talented people and provide the training for current residents to maximize their skills for the jobs available.”

EDGE’s goal and tactics were collaboratively developed by 140 private and public partners who recognize the role education and business play in building a sustainable talent pipeline. The Greater Des Moines Partnership is committed to carrying out the 75x25 goal through its work.

Learn more about EDGE and view the report card at DSMpartnership.com/edge.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 330 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.