Nearly two years ago, a study by a national research nonprofit concluded that the average per capita incomes of all Californians will drop by nearly $2,500 a year over the next 15 years if current trends in education persist.

In other words, everyone loses if education levels are not improved.

Today, the California Legislature has a chance to do something about it.

As early as today, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to vote on SB 890, the Early Commitment to College Act of 2007 authored by Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena.

This is not another costly mandate on schools, but a simple inexpensive program that could make an enormous difference in the lives of students and all California residents.

The act would ensure that students and their families beginning in middle school understand what they need to do to prepare for a technical career or college. Very often, it’s a simple matter of what courses to take.

The legislation would create the “Save Me a Spot in College Pledge” to be signed by the students and their parents. In that pledge, they agree to take the proper academic and career technical courses and meet admission requirements for a university or community college after high school.

In return, California would pledge to provide a place for every student and financial aid for those in need, all of which would renew a promise the state made to students nearly 40 years ago.

“We need to lift students’ aspirations when they are young,” said Abdi Soltani, executive director of the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Mr. Soltani said the bill, which is supported by business groups across the state, is important to students and to companies. But the general population has the greatest stake because of the current risk to the overall economy and prosperity.

“The college-going rate is so low that taxpayers cannot be neutral on the subject,” Mr. Soltani said.