Did you know that even one year of postsecondary education can make a difference in the life of a woman? For example the poverty rate for African American women with a year of postsecondary education is 60 percent lower than those with just a high school degree—falling from 51 to 21 percent. Among Latina women, the change is equally dramatic, as poverty rates drop from 41 to 19 percent. The poverty rates for non-Hispanic white women drop from 22 to 13 percent.

Women who earn four-year degrees increase their annual incomes most significantly, ensuring that women move out of poverty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2001 the average weekly earnings among degree levels were:

Education Level	Latina	African American	White
Bachelor degree	$ 676	$ 692	$ 744
Associate degree	467	502	579
High school diploma	406	395	453

Education also plays a vital role in effecting systemic change, through leadership training. In order to secure continued advancement for women and girls, we must see an exponential increase in the numbers of women in public service.

Our Vision:
Girls in Western Massachusetts will achieve a 100% high school graduation rate. All women in Western Massachusetts will achieve their postsecondary educational goals. The number of women holding public office in Western Massachusetts will increase on every level by substantial percentages