Public education for business

What’s the single greatest investment a community can make for its long-term economic prosperity? The answer is a strong public education system.

At New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsbility, we believe that a just and sustainable economy depends on a strong public education system — one that equips individuals with the skills, creativity, and opportunity needed to thrive both in tomorrow’s business environment.

The business case is clear: Investing in public education is an investment in New Hampshire’s long-term economic resilience, workforce development and business success. Here’s why:

A strong workforce starts in the classroom: Public schools, colleges and vocational programs are where New Hampshire’s future workforce is developed. These institutions prepare students with the critical thinking, adaptability and technical skills required by employers. Without strong public education, businesses face a shallow talent pool and rising training costs.

Education powers innovation and productivity: Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it grows from a culture of learning. Higher education and well-funded schools fuel the kind of creative problem-solving and research that make our companies more competitive and innovative.

Talent follows strong schools: Employees want to live in communities where their families can thrive. That means high-quality public schools. Businesses in regions with strong education systems are better able to attract and retain top talent — especially younger workers seeking long-term opportunity.

Education drives economic growth and equity: Public education reduces inequality, builds pathways to upward mobility, and expands the state’s consumer base. A more educated population earns more, spends more and contributes more to the economy. It’s how we build a healthier business climate for all.

Businesses thrive when communities are strong: Companies that partner with schools through internships, mentorships, and community programs build loyalty-brand trust, and future talent pipelines. Supporting public education is not just the right thing to do, it’s a business growth strategy.

Bottom line: Despite the strong business case, we are shortchanging our future workforce. New Hampshire ranks last in the country for public higher education funding on a per-capita basis.  While the national average in 2024 was $11,683, NH’s investment was just $4,629 per full-time student according to the NH Fiscal Policy Institute.

The current budget cuts the University System of New Hampshire’s funding by 17.6%.  That means tuition or service cuts have to cover the shortfall, so some residents won’t be able to afford higher education here and will either go to school elsewhere or not pursue higher education at all.  Half of the jobs that are in demand in New Hampshire require at least some higher education.

The state also falls well short of adequate funding for our public K-12 schools.  The state invests only $4,800 per student. The average cost per student is around $21,000. That means local property taxes have to make up the difference. For communities without a strong property value base, it means businesses and residents pay significantly more property taxes than communities with higher values. Our schools suffer budget shortfalls, and our students pay the price.

A strong public education system isn’t a nice-to-have: It’s essential infrastructure for a resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy. Businesses have an important role too — business taxes are a major contributor to education funding. We have to invest in education to help create the conditions for our own success.

If you’re interested in getting involved with NHBSR’s advocacy work around public education and other key policy areas, reach out today. Together, we can ensure New Hampshire’s future workforce and economy are built to last.

Michelle Veasey recently transitioned to the director of advocacy role within New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility after 13 years as the executive director in order to support policies that will advance the economic prosperity of our state and our people. NHBSR New produces “Sustainability Spotlight” monthly for NH Business Review.