As the eighth-largest economy in the world, we must prepare our workforce and families for economic success. Texas has set ambitious goals to meet the demands of an evolving workforce: By 2030, 60% of Texans aged 25-64 should hold valuable credentials. But we’re currently falling short, with projections showing only 55-56% credential completion.

Building Strong Foundations

Only 45% of students pursue higher education immediately after high school. Foundational skills in early elementary years are vital indicators of high school graduation. However, barriers like cost, access, and a lack of support services prevent many Texans from taking the next step. We’re facing a critical challenge in preparing Texans for economic success and access to available jobs.

Where We’re Headed

We’ve seen positive short-term results from increasing access to postsecondary credentials during high school and improving credit transfer systems. These approaches make pathways to continued education more accessible and show potential for long-term positive impacts on student achievement.

Bridging the gap between high school and postsecondary credential completion requires that we:

• Expand access to strategies that increase student attainment of postsecondary credentials of value.
• Support conditions for student credential completion (access to services in childcare, transportation, mental health, etc.).
• Strengthen data infrastructure and transparency for improved alignment and efficiency across education and workforce systems.
• Ensure education accountability and financial incentives reward rigorous high school preparation that ensure students can achieve credit-bearing coursework in any postsecondary option they choose.