A group of education, business and community leaders wants to see 80 percent of Treasure Valley graduates pursue a postsecondary education.

A first step is to encourage Treasure Valley students to pursue college financial aid.

Next week, the Treasure Valley Education Partnership will announce what it is calling its “first hands-on project” — aimed at encouraging students to apply to college and file Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms. These student aid forms, also known as FAFSA, are a precursor to receiving student loans, grants and work-study jobs.

It’s unclear which schools will take part in the project, or how it will work. TVEP will announce the details at a meeting from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, at the Meridian School District headquarters, 1303 E. Central Drive, Meridian.

TVEP hopes to reach its 80 percent postsecondary “go-on” rate by 2016. By contrast, the State Board of Education wants  60 percent of Idahoans to pursue a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020.

For more information on TVEP’s membership and goals, here’s a link to an April blog post.