The Ohio Department of Education cites on its website a study by The Georgetown University Center on Education. That study indicates that by 2018, almost 60% of jobs in Ohio will require post-secondary training -- that means beyond high school.
It's one reason Ohio has been pushing to get students into training programs, and college, to help prepare the workforce and meet the demand.
For Hispanic students, attaining additional education can be especially difficult. Only about 7% of Hispanics have an Associate Degree and 11% hold a Bachelor's degree in Ohio. The reasons vary: Language and cultural barriers and financial concerns among them.
This month, Esperanza, an nonprofit dedicated to helping Hispanic students achieve educational goals, announced that it's now aiming highers -- at higher education - with a college mentoring program. The idea is to build on the success of its programs aimed at helping students graduate from high school.
Victor Ruiz, Executive Director, Esperanza
Melissa Santana, Mentor
Samantha Lugo, Student