Scope of Problem

"The need to increase the college going rate of students in San Joaquin Delta College feeder districts is critical to the success and well being of the students and the continued economic growth and stability of our community." Ed Chavez Mayor, City of Stockton

 

• HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION - San Joaquin County ranks in the lowest quartiles for percent of population completing high school (45th of 58 counties)

• COLLEGE GRADUATION - San Joaquin County ranks in the lowest quartiles for percent of population who have attained a bachelors degree or higher - only 7.9% of adults have college degrees (43rd of 58 counties)

• INCOME - San Joaquin Valley has an annual median income of $26, 876 - half the state average of $55,209

• UNEMPLOYMENT - San Joaquin County has an unemployment rate of 11.9% - double the state average of 5.6%

• 89% of the students in the Delta College District live in San Joaquin County

• San Joaquin County is composed of a population of low-income, first generation families

• San Joaquin County ranks 4th in the state in growth with incoming Latino and Asian populations

• San Joaquin County remains a poor area with 36% of its population under the age of 18

• High school dropouts are twice as likely as those who graduate to slip into poverty. In 2001, 4 out of 10 young adult dropouts received some type of government assistance

• 75% of all high school dropouts in 2004 did not have jobs

• Nearly 1/3 of all new jobs require at least some college. 7 out of the 10 fastest growing job categories call for education beyond high school

• The Congressional Research Services Report Card, December 14, 2005: "The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most economically depressed regions of the United States. Per Capita income is lower in the San Joaquin Valley than in the 68 county area known as the Central Appalachian region, a notoriously poor area."

 

Council of Governments 2005, data drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2004

Congressional Research Services Report Card, December 14, 2005

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, "The Challenge Facing Our Nation", 2006

 

                                              Updated 03/04/11