South Carolina student achievement could generate billions in economic growth

ShareAdd Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on GoogleCOLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — A new study from the South Carolina Department of Education and the University of South Carolina suggests improving student achievement could deliver billions of dollars in economic benefits for the state in the years ahead.The study links student performance to economic growth, finding higher test scores can lead to higher wages, greater productivity and a stronger workforce.A study from USC’s Moore School of Business suggests better test scores today could translate into billions of dollars for South Carolina’s economy in the future.SRS security contractor mismanaged weapons stockpileThe private paramilitary force that guards the Savannah River Site failed to properly track, classify and dispose of thousands of weapons, ammunition, explosives and body armor. Researchers analyzed the relationship between student achievement and long-term earnings, employment and workforce productivity.They found that if South Carolina reaches its “Drive to 75” goal of having 75% of students meet grade-level expectations by 2030, it could generate nearly $208 billion in additional economic activity over the next 35 years.The report also estimates every one-point increase in student proficiency is associated with about $5.3 million in additional annual earnings.Researchers say higher academic performance has multiple long-term benefits.New law requires S.C. restaurants to disclose imported shrimpA new state law set to take effect Oct. 28 will require restaurants to disclose when they serve imported shrimp. “Improvement in student performance generates significant benefits for South Carolina,” said Dr. Joseph von Nessen of the USC Darla Moore School of Business. “This includes individual benefits for students in the form of higher earnings and a lifetime of better job opportunities, as well as social benefits.”Researchers say the findings reinforce the idea that investments in education extend far beyond the classroom, with benefits for students, employers and the state’s economy.Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) — A new study from the South Carolina Department of Education and the University of South Carolina suggests improving student achievement could deliver billions of dollars in economic benefits for the state in the years ahead.The study links student performance to economic growth, finding higher test scores can lead to higher wages, greater productivity and a stronger workforce.A study from USC’s Moore School of Business suggests better test scores today could translate into billions of dollars for South Carolina’s economy in the future.SRS security contractor mismanaged weapons stockpileThe private paramilitary force that guards the Savannah River Site failed to properly track, classify and dispose of thousands of weapons, ammunition, explosives and body armor. Researchers analyzed the relationship between student achievement and long-term earnings, employment and workforce productivity.They found that if South Carolina reaches its “Drive to 75” goal of having 75% of students meet grade-level expectations by 2030, it could generate nearly $208 billion in additional economic activity over the next 35 years.The report also estimates every one-point increase in student proficiency is associated with about $5.3 million in additional annual earnings.Researchers say higher academic performance has multiple long-term benefits.New law requires S.C. restaurants to disclose imported shrimpA new state law set to take effect Oct. 28 will require restaurants to disclose when they serve imported shrimp. “Improvement in student performance generates significant benefits for South Carolina,” said Dr. Joseph von Nessen of the USC Darla Moore School of Business. “This includes individual benefits for students in the form of higher earnings and a lifetime of better job opportunities, as well as social benefits.”Researchers say the findings reinforce the idea that investments in education extend far beyond the classroom, with benefits for students, employers and the state’s economy.