ATLANTA, GA — The Governor's Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (GOEWS) is advancing the development of a comprehensive, data-driven framework for evaluating the return on investment (ROI) of Georgia's education and workforce programs through a partnership with Arnold Ventures and the Bellwether Group.

This work fulfills statutory requirements established under Governor Kemp's 2025 Top State for Talent Act, which mandates rigorous evaluation of education and training investments to ensure programs deliver durable outcomes for students and the state. The partnership will strengthen Georgia's capacity to measure what works and guide policy, funding, and program design decisions.

“Georgia's Top State for Talent initiative is helping ensure there are clear pathways for students to find high-demand, good-paying careers once they leave the classroom," stated Governor Brian P. Kemp. "Through partnerships like this, we are strengthening our education and workforce development programs to meet the needs of job creators and providing opportunity for all Georgians." 

Building a Data-Driven ROI Framework

With support from Arnold Ventures, Georgia will develop a robust framework to evaluate how effectively education and training programs prepare Georgians for high-quality and in-demand careers while delivering value for the state's investments. The analysis will address critical questions, including:

  • Employment outcomes for program participants
  • Job retention and long-term career progression
  • Wages and wage growth over time
  • Alignment of credentials with high-demand careers
  • Attainment rates for industry-recognized credentials

Arnold Ventures has provided support for this work through a grant to the Bellwether Group, a nationally recognized organization in education and workforce policy. Bellwether will conduct evaluation and policy analysis to support Georgia's development of a rigorous, actionable ROI framework. The organization brings expertise in program evaluation, data systems, and policy design to strengthen Georgia's position as a leader in outcome-driven workforce policy.

GOEWS will publish findings from the ROI analysis to ensure transparency and equip stakeholders and decision-makers with actionable insights to guide policy, funding, program design, and high-quality implementation. The analysis will also guide the work of the State Workforce Development Board and their oversight of the state's workforce plan.

 

About the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy

The Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (formerly the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement) works to align Georgia’s education and workforce systems to expand opportunity and connect every Georgian to careers with strong demand and competitive wages.

 

About Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change and bipartisan policy reforms, Arnold Ventures works to improve the lives of American families, strengthen communities, and promote economic opportunity. Learn more at arnoldventures.org. 

 

About Bellwether Group

Bellwether is a national nonprofit that works to transform education to ensure young people, especially those furthest from opportunity, achieve outcomes that lead to fulfilling lives and flourishing communities. Founded in 2010, Bellwether helps mission-driven partners accelerate their impact, inform and influence policy and program design, and bring leaders together to drive change on education’s most pressing challenges.

Contact

External Affairs Sara Marchman

[email protected]