Lack of degrees hurting Delta, agency report says

Delta workers continue to trail their counterparts nationwide in higher education attainment, putting them at greater risk in an economy that has decimated jobs for workers with only high school diplomas, according to a study released Wednesday by the Delta Regional Authority.

The report, completed by the authority and researchers at the Institute for Economic Advancement at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, can be seen as “a snapshot of the issues and challenges that face the region,” said Chris Masingill, the agency’s federal co-chairman.

The authority covers 252 counties in eight states, including 42 counties in Arkansas. The report found that the percentage of Delta workers with associate degrees trails the percentage of workersnationwide with two-year degrees by 24 percent. The percentage of Delta workers with bachelor’s degrees is 28 percent lower than the national rate.

None of the Delta counties reached the national average of 10.3 percent of their residents with graduate or professional degrees.

“You cannot separate the deep connection between education and economic development. This report solidifies this even more,” Masingill said. “If you can track a problem, you can treat a problem.”

The full report was not released by early Wednesday afternoon, but authority officials said it would be available on the agency’s website - dra.gov.

Masingill said he hoped it would be a resource for governors, economic leaders and others interested in theregion.

The study’s results indicate that continued work-force training is key to making the Delta attractive to relocating manufacturers. Recently, some American manufacturing has returned from overseas, Masingill said.

Also Wednesday, the authority announced “investments” in two Arkansas-based programs for work-force development.

The Trumann Innovative Workforce Development Center received $206,000 for construction costs and education programs. The center will partner with area businesses to train workers for local jobs, he said.

Another program - Arkansas Delta and Training Consortium - will receive $200,000 for its continuing programs in the Delta to train workers in skills needed by local businesses.