Solving Washington state's education and economy paradox

THERE is a paradox in Washington around education and jobs. The state ranks among the highest in the proportion of the population with a college degree (14th), but among the lowest in the proportion of state high-school graduates who go to college (46th). The reason, of course, is that Washington has a lot of jobs that require a college degree, and is such an attractive place to live that people will move to the state to take them.

Washington has been a net importer of college graduates, especially at the baccalaureate level, for many years. But this paradox also means that many Washington residents do not have the opportunity to get the education they need for jobs in the state.