DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — A new study says the South's increasingly diverse homegrown talent won't share in the region's economic growth unless state leaders commit to spending more on public schools and higher education.

The State of the South 2018 report found that 13 states across the region are relying heavily on an influx of newcomers with college degrees to fill higher-paying jobs. At the same time, the report finds that state leaders have failed to adequately invest in public schools, higher education and other resources to prepare the next generation of workers.

David Dodson is president of the nonprofit education and job development advocacy group MDC, which published the report. He said that if states import skilled workers without nurturing their own, the next generation of homegrown talent won't get the benefits of the best jobs.

The report notes that half of the country's population growth since 1970 has occurred in the South.