Human Capital Formation

Human capital refers to knowledge/skills and educational attainment. Human capital is one of the essential resources for economic growth, and educated workers are critical sources of innovation and productivity, especially given the pace and nature of technological progress. Higher levels of human capital are also correlated to higher earnings and greater likelihood of employment. For example, basic math skills are important for personal and professional success.

Data for this indicator was obtained from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 5-year estimates. Enrollment estimates and population were summed across the three counties to obtain the NSJV value.

Data for this indicator was obtained from the California Department of Education. Third grade reading proficiency is measured as the percent of students who scored at least “proficient” on the CAASPP reading test.

Data for this indicator was obtained from the California Department of Education. Third grade math proficiency is measured as the percent of students who scored at least “proficient” on the CAASPP math test.

Data for this indicator was obtained from the California Department of Education. Eleventh grade math proficiency is measured as the percent of students who scored at least “proficient” on the CAASPP math test.

Data for this indicator was obtained from the California Department of Education. The number of graduates and total students in each cohort was summed across each county to arrive at the NSJV total.

High school graduation rates by race/ethnicity (2017)

Race/Ethnicity California Merced County San Joaquin
County
Stanislaus
County
African American/Black 73.1% 81.1% 68.8% 71.8%
American Indian/Alaska Native 68.2% 65.0% 72.3% 60.3%
Asian American 93.0% 93.4% 89.6% 90.9%
Hispanic/Latino 80.3% 89.0% 79.7% 83.3%
Multiracial 83.8% 80.0% 78.9% 83.9%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 81.8% N/A 83.5% 85.1%
White 87.3% 90.5% 82.9% 86.0%

Data for this indicator was obtained from the California Department of Education’s Dataquest system.

Data for this indicator was obtained from the California Department of Education’s Dataquest system.