Sustainability report shows glaring shortfalls in Wisconsin

State last in nation in graduation disparity
between whites and those of color 

Sustainability is well more than a buzzword now.  

For the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council, it’s something that can be measured.

The group’s latest sustainability report card shows a mixed bag in Wisconsin.

In areas like the environment, social issues and economic assessments, the state is good on some fronts.  

But it’s really bad when it comes to entrepreneurship. Wisconsin’s dead last in the nation, says the group’s executive director, Tom Eggert.  

“We’re very conservative,” he said. “We’re not very willing to invest in new ideas that are advanced.”

Another place Wisconsin falls short – way short – is graduation rates between white students and those of color.

“We’re worst in the nation with how great that disparity is between kids of color graduating and white kids graduating,” Eggert said.

According to the report, other economic sour notes, include annual job growth, where Wisconsin remains near the bottom in the U.S.

On the flip side, however, Eggert said Wisconsin is near the top in overall graduation rates and ACT scores. The state also has one of the highest levels of volunteerism.