Focus on technology to be placed on higher education

The education gap facing the nation’s work force has shown that most new jobs will require more than a high school education. However, less than half of Americans under the age of 30 have a postsecondary degree. Recent state budget cuts, education experts agree, will make closing that gap very difficult, according to a New York Times report.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have teamed up with the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and four nonprofit education organizations and are beginning an initiative to address this challenge, and accelerate the development and use of online learning tools.

The Gates foundation has already sunk an initial $20 million into the project that will be for postsecondary online courses. More specifically, the courses will be ones designed for community colleges, and low-income young people who couldn't afford education otherwise.

The foundation also plans to put money towards programs for high schools next year. 

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