CREATING
PATHWAYS TO
OPPORTUNITIES
Despite 70% of jobs requiring postsecondary education, less than half of all Texas young adults hold a postsecondary degree, including only 35% of Black and 24% of Latino young adults. The Texas Student Success Council was created to close this gap. This initiative has been highlighted by Jobs for the Future as a national best practice for this work.
Helping students minimize the time and expense of obtaining a workforce-relevant degree or credential drives success not only at the student level, but at the community and state levels as well.
DEVELOP POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Use research, evidence, and best practices to effect change.
INFORM POLICYMAKERS
Educate about key policy issues impacting student education.
BUILD MOMENTUM FOR CHANGE
Engage collective action before and during legislative sessions.
Identify and incorporate stackable credentials available on readily accessible websites and publications into advising frameworks.

Coordinate higher education, and workforce efforts that better prepare students for in-demand careers.
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Focus on increasing the number of students that enroll and earn applicable college credit, degrees, and credentials while in Texas high schools.
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By helping students minimize the time and expense of obtaining a workforce-relevant degree or credential, the Council is driving success not only at the student level, but at the community and state level as well.
David Vinson – Wylie ISD
Gaye Rosser – Hutto ISD
Russell Lowery-Hart – Austin Community Colleges
Brenda Hellyer, Chair – San Jacinto College
Jeremy McMillen – Grayson College
Mike Reeser – Texas State Technical College
William Serrata, Vice-Chair – El Paso Community College
Guy Bailey – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Susan Brown – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Abel A. Chávez – Our Lady of the Lake University
James Hallmark, Vice-Chair – Texas A&M University System
Rebecca Karoff – University of Texas System
Harrison Keller – University of North Texas
Tony Bennett – Texas Association of Manufacturers
Justin Yancy – Texas Business Leadership Council
Kelle Kieschnick – Texas Business Leadership Council
Kristin Boyer – Trellis Foundation
Kelty Garbee – Texas Rural Funders
Leslie Gurrola – Greater Texas Foundation
Sidney Hacker – Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Sylvia Leal – TLL Temple Foundation
Sue McMillin – Greater Texas Foundation
Jenny Achilles – Trellis Foundation
Kelle Kieschick – Texas Business Leadership Council
Ray Martinez – TACC
Elizabeth Puthoff – ICUT
The gaps between Texas students who enroll and graduate from a Texas University within 6 years of high school: 60% of white students, 48% of Latino students, 36% of Black students.
of students entering a Texas public higher education institution were not college ready.
of these students return to college for their second year.
The chance Central Texas young adults have of earning a living wage without a certification, credential, or degree within six years of finishing high school.
of college-ready students return for their second year.