Education and Our Economic Future: A Children's Futures White Paper

Online, June 22, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Hit hard in the global economic race, America now needs to buck a downward trend to remain the leader of a very competitive pack.

A forward-thinking strategic investment, like the education of young students, is the best and only way to ensure the future viability and prosperity of the American economy, according to "Early Learning and the Future of the U.S. Economy: A National Imperative," a white paper released today by Children's Futures, a Trenton, New Jersey-based nonprofit recognized by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation as one of the top eight nonprofit programs of its kind in the nation.

The paper paints a grim picture of the future of the U.S. economy based on several converging dynamics: increased worker productivity abroad means global economies are gaining momentum, the elderly dependency ratio in the America is growing exponentially as life expectancy also increases; the nation's debt has reached record levels and shows little sign of slowing down as the United States struggles to emerge from the largest economic crisis since The Great Depression.

To stay competitive and maintain a healthy economy, the paper urges support for efforts that increase worker productivity, beginning with funding the education of today's young children.

"There is undeniable evidence," said Floyd K. Morris, Jr., President of Children's Futures "that the productivity of America's future workforce is directly correlated to the nature and quality of education received by children during their early formative years and beyond." Morris urges legislators and decision-makers to consider education as an investment in future human capital.

As these educational budgets are being cut to balance deficits, the paper notes that the short term solutions may lead to longer term effects on today's children.

"How will this change the education our students receive today?" Morris asked. "And what ramifications will they have for tomorrow's workforce and the viability of the American economy? The answers to these questions are getting lost in the balance sheets," he added.

To receive a copy of "Early Learning and the Future of the U.S. Economy: A National Imperative," or to interview Floyd K. Morris, Jr., please contact Katherine Zimoulis at 609-683-0700 or [email protected].

About Children's Futures
For 10 years, Children's Futures has been working with partner organizations to improve health and development outcomes for children in Trenton and the surrounding area. Recognized by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation as one of the top eight nonprofit programs of its kind in the nation, Children's Futures brings provider agencies together in a single, unified effort to support parents and children helping to prevent many of the issues that otherwise compromise the health and well being of central New Jersey's most vulnerable residents. Children's Futures (www.childrensfutures.org), fulfilling a promise, making it possible.