U.S. President Barack Obama has told students from across the country that they need to pursue higher education.

Mr. Obama delivered his third annual “Back to School” speech at a high school in Washington. He told students in the audience, as well as those watching on television across the country, that more than 60 percent of jobs over the next decade will require more than a high school diploma.

The president said the U.S. used to have the highest proportion of college graduates, but now ranks 16th, which he called not good enough.

President Obama also said the country needs the passion, ideas and energy of young people as it deals with its current challenges like the faltering economy.

He talked about some young Americans have who already taken matters into their owns hands, including a 16-year-old girl who discovered a breakthrough process that uses light to kill cancer cells.