What appears to be a problem for Ohio may actually hold the solution to a thriving future. For Ohio to compete successfully in today's knowledge-based marketplace, our policy makers are charged with finding new ways to boost the skills of Ohioans who are working for low wages. Some of these Ohioans are supporting a family of four on less than $37,000 a year, which is simply not enough to meet their basic needs.

More than one million strong, these working adults have the power to improve our state's economic and social conditions. The Ohio Bridges to Opportunity Initiative is charged with the task of helping them reclaim that power. We are transforming workforce and education policy and practice so that more low-wage working adults can earn the credentials and skills necessary to create a healthy economy for all Ohioans.

• Ohio ranks 40th in the percentage of adults with an associate's degree, and 41st in the percentage with a bachelor's degree.
  
• If we do not take action soon, the more than one million Ohioans working for low wages will continue struggling financially, meaning as little as $3,000 a month for a family of four, and $1,500 a month for a single person.
  
• As a result, we could lose the high-productivity, high-wage employers that keep our state's economy strong, and limit job opportunity for all Ohioans.
  
• With an estimated 83% of Ohio's workforce in 2010 will have worked in the year 2000, it is important to provide opportunities to train adult workers.

One of the main barriers keeping working adults from financial success is statewide policy that doesn't financially support adults who want to return to school. In fact, Ohio ranks 40th in the amount of state support we give students for higher education, earning us an "F" for affordability in a recent "state-by-state report card on higher education" by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.

As a result, the cost of higher education for students and their families is well above the national average.

Learn more about Policy Barriers.

Ohio offers a wealth of community and technical colleges, and adult career centers that are passionate about helping students succeed. Ironically, disconnects between and within these well-meaning institutions are creating barriers to their success.

Learn more about Institutional Barriers.

Read more about the policy work to find out more about policy recommendations to improve education for low-income adults.