Within six years it is expected that 62 percent of the jobs in the United States will require at least some postsecondary education.

Yet, in Michigan only 36 percent of residents hold at least a two-year degree, and in Berrien County 35 percent hold such a credential.

To bring attention to the issue and begin discussions on how southwest Michigan can close that gap, Lake Michigan College and the Frederick S. Upton Foundation are hosting an Education Summit from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 at the LMC Mendel Center.

“One of the biggest challenges communities across the country have is getting more of their residents to begin college and earn credentials they will need to qualify for and compete for good jobs,” said Robert Harrison, president of LMC.

“However, instilling that culture of learning into people is something that begins at an early age.”