Secondary Data

High drop-out rate among 9th and 10th graders
3 Central LA parishes significantly higher than state

Low educational attainment
Over 40% of population in 5 Cenla parishes did not complete high school vs. 32% LA, and 24% Nation

Lower average teacher salaries in every parish compared to state and nation
$26,800 LA
$36,802 Nation
 
Lower expenditure per student
$4,468 LA
6 Central LA parishes lower than state

Lower average composite scores on the ACT
19.4 LA, 20.9 Nation
8 Central LA parishes lower than state

Higher first-time college freshmen enrollment in remedial courses
49% LA
9 Central LA parishes worse than state

Youth Risk Behavioral Surve

Plan to graduate from high school
97% of students

Plan to pursue post high school education
18.6% plan on attending technical school or some college
29.0% planning to attend college also plan on achieving a Masters or Doctorate degree

Behavioral Risk Factor Survey

Low educational attainment
21.3% did not complete high school
40.5% graduated from high school or completed GED
16.1% obtained college degree

Community Perceptions

High frequency of high school dropouts
Underqualified for available jobs
Lack of job training opportunities