Higher Education
Since the recession, 99 percent of the 11.6 million jobs created have gone to those with at least some degree of education beyond high school (Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce). Yet in a long-term study of Texas eighth-graders, only 30 percent of non-economically disadvantaged students and 10 percent of low-income students went on to earn a higher education degree or certificate (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Strategic Plan: 2015-2030). The gap between market demand and education completion must narrow if Texas is to remain a leader in business and industry. For this reason and many more, higher education is a key impact area for Educate Texas.
We proudly support strategies that prepare students to succeed in today’s workforce — whether by earning a two-year or four-year degree or a technical certificate. Educate Texas works with state agencies, school districts, high-performing charter schools, and higher education institutions to design and launch high-impact programs that reduce barriers to success after high school. We also work with stakeholders from a variety of industries to educate policymakers and inform public policy affecting higher education in Texas.
Programs
The Bridge to College and Career Success initiative was formed to create partnerships that respond to the growing need to support disconnected youth and young adults in the Gulf Coast region to re-engage in college and career paths. Educate Texas awarded planning grants to eight regional partnerships to prepare their programs and apply for additional grant funds to implement their plans in 2018 – 2019.
The Texas College Access Network (TxCAN) connects and supports college access initiatives across Texas, with the goal of increasing access to college and certificate programs. We believe aligning efforts across the state will help college access providers achieve a greater impact than any one provider could alone.
With Texas facing a projected shortfall of 1 million science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-related workers by 2018, Educate Texas partnered with like-minded foundations and corporations to create the Texas Regional STEM Degree Accelerator program (STEM Accelerator). This program operates in five regions across the state to increase the number of students who will earn STEM credentials that align to high-demand local industry workforce needs within those regions.
The Texas Student Success Council is a group of diverse education leaders committed to shaping the state policy dialogue around increasing higher education attainment and preparing students to compete in the 21st century economy.