Nevada Adult Education Programs
 

Nevada’s 18-24 Year Old Population

Educational Attainment by County & Sex

Year 2000 Census

 

 

 

18-24 Population

 

18-24 with less than High School Diploma

 

% of Total

 

 

Male

 

% of Total

 

 

Female

 

% of Total

Carson City

4,296

1,440

33.5%

789

34.5%

651

32.4%

Churchill County

1,878

424

22.6%

228

26.2%

196

19.5%

Clark County

125,035

43,428

34.7%

25,486

39.0%

17,942

30.1%

Douglas County

2,105

606

28.8%

368

32.1%

238

24.8%

Elko County

3,835

1,583

41.3%

901

45.2%

681

37.0%

Esmeralda County

64

22

34.4%

16

38.1%

6

27.3%

Eureka County

86

47

54.7%

31

70.5%

16

38.1%

Humboldt County

1,200

381

31.8%

237

36.9%

144

25.8%

Lander County

355

156

43.9%

78

40.8%

78

47.6%

Lincoln County

254

98

38.6%

54

35.3%

44

43.6%

Lyon County

2,328

822

35.3%

420

35.0%

402

35.6%

Mineral County

318

120

37.7%

72

43.4%

48

31.6%

Nye County

1,645

570

34.7%

302

37.5%

268

31.9%

Pershing County

495

235

47.5%

172

50.0%

63

41.7%

Storey County

206

30

14.6%

12

11.9%

18

17.1%

Washoe County

33,464

9,077

27.1%

5,370

31.6%

3,707

22.5%

    Nevada Total

178,350

59,389

33.3%

34,830

37.5%

24,559

28.7%

Significant factors…

In school year 2002 about 5 percent of all high school students in Nevada dropped out of school.  Research studies suggest that relatively favorable employment opportunities for high school dropouts appear to increase the likelihood that students will drop out of school.  This appears to be a more significant reason in Nevada, as many industries accept non-credentialed employees in entry-level positions.  These employment opportunities also attract dropouts from other states, swelling Nevada’s 18-24 year old population without high school completion. As a result, one of the most challenging educational issues facing Nevada is understanding and solving the high school dropout problem. 

Census 2000 data reflects that 135,908 Nevadans 18 years of age and over are living in poverty.  A special study released by the U.S Census Bureau in July 2002 reflects that for the 3-year period of 1997-1999, average annual earnings ranged from $18,900 for high school dropouts to $25,900 for high school graduates, $45,400 for college graduates and $99,300 for workers with professional degrees. 

Prior to Nevada’s 2004 voter registration initiative, only 38% of Nevada’s 18-24 year old population was registered to vote.

Self-reported statistics by Nevada’s inmate population for FY02 reflect that 57% lack a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Impact Questions…

To maintain a vibrant economy, Nevada depends on skilled workers, informed consumers and quality customer service.  How does Nevada 18-24 year old population who lack a high school diploma or GED impact our economy?

Are they insured? 

Do they practice good safety procedures?

Do they provide quality customer service when employed in interactive positions?

Do they show up for work on time and produce at an acceptable rate?

Do they require additional supervision?

Do they help their children with their homework?

Are they creating a social liability that 120,000 Nevada educated professionals are employed to address?