Wyoming Seniors More College & Career Ready

A higher percentage of Wyoming high school seniors are college and career ready.

The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2015, which was released Wednesday, shows 2015 graduates in the Cowboy State averaged a score of 20.2 on the ACT, a slight increase from 2014.

The percent of students who met college readiness benchmarks in all four subject areas (English, Math, Reading and Science) went up significantly to 22%.

"We know we’re moving in the right direction, these scores are showing that, but we do need to improve," said Brent Bacon, Chief Academic Officer for the Wyoming Department of Education.

Bacon says the reports also show the positive impact Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) can have on all subject areas. He says students that indicated an interest in STEM majors or occupations met more readiness benchmarks.

"STEM is really helping our kids," said Bacon. "We're able to compete nationally and we're preparing for college and the workforce in Wyoming."

Wyoming state law requires all students to take the ACT as juniors.