As we work our way out of the recession, both government and education leaders say education and economic development go hand in hand.

 UNC System President Erskine Bowles says we need to focus on the younger students.

  "I can guarantee you there won't be any sustainable economic recovery for North Carolina, or for America, unless we improve K-thru-12," said Bowles. 

  He backed up his message with a compelling statistic, “Today for every 100 8th graders in the state somewhere between 58 to 68 will graduate from high school, 38 go to college, 28 come back for a second year and 18 graduate from college.”

 Bowles accepts some of the blame: "The university system is not only part of the solution, we’re part of the problem.  You have to admit that.  All of us have to accept some responsibility. We have to produce better teachers, stronger principals, stronger math and science skills so our students can compete in this global economy.  And we're going to do it!"

  Bowles, along with Senator Richard Burr, (R) North Carolina, hosted an economic development summit on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham Monday morning.

  The idea is to create partnerships between the education and business communities as a way to recruit new business and spur job growth.

  "We are the education state of the country and I think employers will respond by investing here, and through that investment, create job opportunities," said Senator Burr.

  To hear more check out the video in the above monitor.