Independent Study Highlights GOAL High School’s Economic Impact for State of Colorado

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independent Study Highlights GOAL High School’s Economic Impact

Pueblo, Colo. – April 2026 – An independent economic impact study released in April 2026 concludes that GOAL High School generates substantial economic and social benefits for the State of Colorado, including significant long-term savings in public healthcare, criminal justice, and public assistance costs for each student who graduates instead of dropping out.

The study, conducted by Data-Driven Economic Strategies and led by economist Dr. Tatiana Bailey, analyzed the outcomes of GOAL High School graduates relative to individuals who do not complete high school. Using Colorado-specific data and conservative assumptions, the analysis examined earnings, workforce participation, tax contributions, and public-sector cost savings over time.

According to the report, each dropout prevented by a GOAL High School graduation is associated with approximately $47,000 in avoided lifetime public costs to the State of Colorado alone, including reduced healthcare expenditures, lower incarceration costs, and decreased reliance on public assistance programs. Additional savings accrue at the federal level and through increased tax contributions but were analyzed separately.

GOAL High School serves a statewide population of at-risk and nontraditional students, many of whom enter the program multiple grade levels behind academically and face significant barriers to graduation. Despite these challenges, the study found that GOAL supports roughly 1,700 students annually in earning a high school diploma. Outcomes that research indicates would be far less likely without a re-engagement-focused education model.

When aggregated across each graduating class, the report estimates that GOAL graduates generate hundreds of millions of dollars in lifetime public cost savings, while also contributing to a stronger workforce and higher tax revenues. When compared to the public investment required to educate

GOAL students, the study concludes that the school produces a positive return on investment for Colorado taxpayers. District 49, GOAL’s authorizing district, commissioned the study to better quantify GOAL’s statewide impact, particularly given the unique population the school serves and the limitations of traditional accountability measures in reflecting re-engagement outcomes.

About GOAL High School

GOAL High School is a Colorado public charter school serving students statewide through flexible, personalized online learning. GOAL supports at-risk and nontraditional learners with individualized academic plans, dedicated teachers, and in-person support options across Colorado to help students get back on track and graduate.

Media Contact- Alan Van Norman- GOAL HS Director of Communications

a.vannorman@goalac.org

719.205.7682

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