So far, more than 300 businesses and organizations in the Greater Lansing area have committed themselves to supporting and promoting the importance of lifelong learning. This is a huge accomplishment. In January, the community rallied behind a Pepsi Refresh project to promote lifelong learning along the River Trail, and this summer the area will enjoy the second “Passport to Adventure” summer program.

Yet, it’s still not enough.

It has been a goal of Keep Learning...Our Future Depends On It—a coalition of media, government, education, businesses and nonprofits committed to doubling the number of college graduates in mid-Michigan—to reach 500 business pledges.

For businesses, taking the pledge means only a couple simple steps. Organizations who would like to take the pledge can visit www.learnforourfuture.org and sign up. While an easy couple steps, this act translates into something larger and more meaningful. It means making an effort each month, whether or small or large, to promote education to your employees, customers, clients and stakeholders.

Simple things, like allowing staff to participate in a professional development webinar or encouraging an employee book club, result in a culture where education is valued.

I hope that by now, I don’t need to tell you all of the economic and personal reasons we need this culture of lifelong learning to thrive and grow our region. Companies here are looking for the best and the brightest and if we aren’t even asking our family, friends and coworkers to step it up, those companies may as well leave.

Four years ago we conducted a study asking Greater Lansing residents whom they would listen to in regards to the importance of education.

What did they tell us?

They weren’t interested in hearing education is important from their parents or their teachers—but they would listen to employers. And that’s why we need our local businesses and organizations to make the simple commitment of publicly stating, “We value education.”

Or to get particular about it, to say: “I pledge my business will commit to supporting an educated future. And through encouragement of lifelong learning, it begins. For our pride, community, economy and prosperity, and the pursuit of doing what’s right for all.”

Keep Learning wants everyone to simply keep learning. No matter where an individual is with his or her education, there is always something more that can be done to continue to learn, sharpen skills and advance in a career. By signing up, your business or organization’s name will appear on our website and you’ll receive monthly e-newsletters with news from Keep Learning and a tip for promoting education at the office.

Visit www.learnforourfuture.org and take the pledge today. Our future really does depend on it.

		Douglas E. Stites is the chief executive officer of Capital Area Michigan Works!, a network of resources that partners with businesses to develop recruiting and retention strategies and partners with job seekers to enhance education and career opportunities.  On the Web at www.camw.org.