The Philadelphia region has significantly increased its retention of college talent in the last two decades, but there is still plenty of room for improvement, writes Sarah Huffman for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

Philadelphia only retained around 25 percent of college students in the region in the early 2000s, when Campus Philly, the nonprofit focusing on recruitment, engagement, and retention of college talent in the area was formed.

The nonprofit did a retention data study in 2019 and found the region was keeping 54 percent of its college students, double the original number.

STEM graduates remain in Philadelphia depending on their field. The region is able to achieve high levels of retention in biology and other life sciences-related subjects. However, computer science and IT majors are less likely to remain in the region after graduating.

To help retain students in all fields, Campus Philly ensures they are engaged in the region through employment opportunities with local companies.

“Campus Philly is very committed to working with employers who are interested in growing their emerging talent pool in Philadelphia, to help connect those organizations to top talent in these sectors and beyond,” said Jen Kebea, president of Campus Philly.

Read more about college talent retention in Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

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9-year-old Bucks County resident David Balogun graduated from high school in February.