TOTAL ESTIMATED COST:
$135
MILLION
The Return on Investment (ROI) in education is one of the most substantial and long-lasting for individuals, communities, and societies. Investing in education yields a range of economic, social, and personal benefits, which can be measured both in direct financial returns and broader social outcomes. Here are some key ways education generates ROI :
Economic Benefits :
Increased Earning Potential: • College graduates earn nearly $1M more over a lifetime than high school graduates. • STEM graduates earn about 26% more than non-STEM peers. Boosting Economic Growth: • Educated individuals drive productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. • Every $1 invested in education generates $5–$15 in economic returns. • Higher earnings increase tax revenues, strengthening public funds.
Social and Health Benefits:
Better Health Outcomes: • Education improves health outcomes — leading to healthier lifestyles, longer lives, and better access to care. • Each additional year of schooling reduces healthcare costs and increases life expectancy. Boosting Economic Growth: • Education fosters political awareness and participation, creating more stable and inclusive democracies. • Educated communities experience less inequality, stronger cohesion, and lower risks of unrest.
Return on Early Childhood and K-12 Investment:
Early Childhood Education (ECE): • Early childhood education delivers some of the highest returns — every $1 invested can yield up to $7 in long-term benefits like higher graduation rates, reduced crime, and lower special education costs. K-12 Education: • High-quality K-12 education boosts performance, graduation rates, and career readiness — building the foundation for lifelong success and higher productivity.
Reduced Public Costs:
Lower Crime and Incarceration Rates: • Education lowers the risk of crime, reducing incarceration rates and saving society significant costs. • One year of schooling is associated with a 13% reduction in the risk of incarceration. Reduced Dependency on Welfare Programs: • Education lowers the likelihood of individuals relying on social welfare programs like unemployment benefits or public healthcare. Higher earnings mean individuals are less likely to need government support, saving public funds.
Reducing Global Poverty and Inequality:
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: • Each year of schooling boosts earnings by about 10%, making education a powerful tool against poverty. • For women, education drives economic independence and lowers rates of child marriage and infant mortality. Narrowing Inequality Gaps: • Investing in education helps reduce economic inequality by providing equal opportunities for all, particularly for disadvantaged and marginalized populations.
Innovation and Competitiveness:
Fostering Innovation: • Investing in education, especially STEM, drives innovation and strengthens global competitiveness. • An educated workforce attracts business, sparks entrepreneurship, and positions nations as global leaders.
Multi-Generational Impact Through SR1 CPSA’s Community-Centered Campus Initiative
The $135 million SR1 CPSA campaign will build a state-of-the-art campus serving K-5 through K-12 students and the wider community. Open beyond school hours, it will feature technology labs, flexible classrooms, agricultural spaces, and wellness centers. These resources will power programs like robotics, coding, agriculture, and health initiatives — equipping students and families with skills for education, careers, and lifelong wellness. This multi-generational investment will strengthen families, the community, and the Mississippi region for years to come.
Investment Opportunities
NAMING RIGHTS
Opportunities to name buildings, facilities, or programs for significant contributions.
PROGRAM SPONSORSHIPS
Support specific programs like AI labs, health facilities, or outdoor learning spaces.
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Invest in green technologies and sustainable practices on campus.
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
Establish scholarships to make education accessible to more students.
Cost Estimates
1. Land Preparation and Infrastructure
• Site clearing, grading, utilities: $5 MILLION
2. Academic, STEM, Arts, and Agriculture Buildings
• 150,000 sq ft @ $350/sq ft: $52.5 MILLION
3. STEM Based Learning Studio (Library) and Resource Center
• 20,000 sq ft @ $400/sq ft: $8 MILLION
4. Elite Health Facilities
• 30,000 sq ft @ $400/sq ft: $12 MILLION
5. Outdoor Learning Spaces
• Design and construction: $2 MILLION
6. Walking Trails and Recreational Areas
• Trail development and landscaping: $1.5 MILLION
7. Healthy Dining Facilities
• 15,000 sq ft @ $350/sq ft: $5.25 MILLION
8. Administrative Buildings
• 10,000 sq ft @ $350/sq ft: $3.5 MILLION
9. Wastewater Treatment Facilities
• Sustainable system installation: $3 MILLION
10. STEM and College Preparatory Housing Facilities
• 50,000 sq ft @ $300/sq ft: $15 MILLION
11. Technology Integration
• Solar panels, green roofs, energy-efficient systems: $7 MILLION
12. Sustainability Features
• Trail development and landscaping: $1.5 MILLION
13. Contingency (10%)
• For unforeseen expenses: $12.25 MILLION