Effort to Keep More College Graduates in NH Gains Support and Momentum

College presidents from across the state to assist in large scale student and alumni survey

May 24, 2007–Lee– Businesses, government agencies, and colleges and universities from across the state are showing their support for a statewide effort to encourage more recent college graduates to live and work in New Hampshire. The 55% Initiative calls for increasing the percentage of those that remain in the state after graduation from roughly 50 percent to 55 percent through a "tourism-like" marketing campaign.

The effort received a big boost as college presidents from across the state recently agreed to survey their students and recent alumni to help gain comprehensive data on why people choose to stay or leave. The online survey will be administered by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center. Results should be tabulated by the late fall, providing data on perceptions about New Hampshire, barriers to remaining in the state, and a better understanding of specific reasons why young educated people stay or leave. The survey is being funded by a grant from the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development.

The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) has taken a lead on the 55% Initiative and is working with many organizations to plan for a "tourism-like" marketing campaign aimed at our future college graduates. The survey results will help determine the key elements of this campaign. Other planned steps include linking with organizations that interact with younger audiences; developing an inventory of lifestyle supports that are attractive to this audience; and promoting online internships, entry-level job opportunities, and web-based tools showcasing NH activities. The USNH web site now features a Blog on this topic and interested individuals are encouraged to log in and add to the dialogue.

"New Hampshire is a great state in which to live, ranking very highly in terms of health, safety, low taxes, personal income, and livability," said USNH Chancellor Stephen Reno. "However, the annual exodus of thousands of educated individuals represents a huge ‘brain drain’ that darkens our overall employment outlook and hinders the state’s growth. To be competitive and fuel the state’s economy, this out-migration must be reduced," he added.

Even a small shift in the migration rate of college graduates would have an enormous impact. The 55% Initiative sets a goal of convincing 55% of new graduates to live and work in NH, as compared to the roughly 50% who currently stay. In one year, this 5% change would add more than 600 employees to our workforce and have a $42M impact on the economy. Over five years, the cumulative impact would be 3,144 more employees with an economic benefit of $636M.

Organizations that have signed up in support of this initiative include the NH Business and Industry Association, the NH High Technology Council, the NH College and University Council, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, TF Moran, and the Hippo Press. Organizations can sign up online at www.usnh.unh.edu/initiatives/55_endorsements.shtml.

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