Rick Scott wants colleges to improve graduation rates

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is calling on the state’s colleges to improve their graduation rates.

Scott on Thursday challenged Florida’s 28 public colleges to boost the number of students who graduate. Scott said that currently 43 percent of students graduate with an associate degree within three years. The governor wants that number to more than double to 100 percent.

Scott stressed that Florida’s colleges, which offer both two-year and four-year degrees, need to produce more graduates to improve the skills of the state’s workforce.

During a stop at a Panhandle business, Scott said that the colleges can meet his goal without any additional money.

College presidents put out a statement saying they would accept Scott’s challenge. But they added they need $80 million for their workforce programs in order to reach the goal.

Republished with permission of The Associated Press.