Roadmap to readiness for every Texas graduate
This is a preview of our Texas 2036 newsletter with what you need to know about the roadmap to readiness for every Texas graduate. To receive this weekly look at our work, sign up here.
Driving success in Texas high schools
When too many graduates left high school unprepared for college or career, Texas took decisive action. Today, data shows our students are gaining the skills, credentials and confidence to succeed.
This week we explore how Texas is building a roadmap for success to help expand opportunities for all Texans.
The challenge: Students aren’t college-ready
Source: Texas Education Agency, 2024 Annual Report, Year-Over-Year Student Outcomes
Every year, Texas graduates over 375,000 students. But only 36% earn a postsecondary degree or credential.
Even among “college-ready” students, 30% of high school graduates still require remedial classes. Others graduate without the skills to secure a good job.
The goal is Dual Readiness
Every Texas student should leave high school prepared for their next step — whether that’s college, a career or both. We call this Dual Readiness and it should be the standard, not the exception.
At Texas 2036, we believe every child should be able to decide their own future.
Texans want their kids prepared: Poll shows 🗳️
91% of Texas voters believe every high school student should have access to workforce training that prepares them for good-paying jobs after graduation.
(Source: 8th Texas Voter Poll)
Texas’ roadmap to student success
Since 2019, Texas 2036 and policy leaders have worked together to build a bold new roadmap to equip today’s students with real skills, real jobs and real hope for the future.
Texas is giving high school students the tools to succeed in college and the workforce. From dual credit to apprenticeships, students are gaining real options for the future.
1. Set clear, measurable goals
By law, Texas graduates now must have the skills to enter the workforce or pursue college without the need for remediation.
The goals set by the 2025 Texas Legislature include:
- Career readiness for all: Graduates will leave high school with the skills and credentials needed to enter the Texas workforce immediately.
- Postsecondary readiness: Graduates who choose to attend college will be prepared for college-level work without needing remediation.
2. Start Texas students early
In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed HB 8, a bill that reformed community college finance to incentivize student outcomes. The bill helps students earn 15 hours of college credit before graduating high school.
Combined with new career-focused high school models, more Texas students are leaving school with the skills, credentials and experience to succeed.
Growth of College and Career Readiness School Models
Source: Texas Education Agency, Annual Report 2023
3. Engage local employers
Texas employers are working with high schools to co-design programs that lead to good-paying jobs.
In 2023, the Texas Legislature expanded apprenticeships in high-demand industries, giving high school students hands-on experience paired with skill-focused instruction.
4. Align programs with job data
This year, the Legislature passed new laws that will now give high school students and counselors data on careers, college and wages tied to their program.
What does it mean: Texas high schools will be using real-time labor market data to match learning with in-demand careers.
5. Reward what works for students
In 2023, Texas overhauled community college funding to reward student outcomes. This year, lawmakers expanded the model, giving all 50 colleges better data to ensure credentials lead to good jobs.
Okay, but how does it affect high schools? Texas high schools who are partnering with community colleges through dual credit are also being rewarded based on student outcomes.
Delivering college and career readiness
To prepare students for both college and career, Texas has been expanding dual credit in Texas high schools.
From 1999 to 2023, enrollment in these courses grew 18-fold — from 11,921 to 218,825 students. Today, more than 500 College and Career Readiness campus models give high school students career-aligned pathways, helping more graduates enter the workforce or continue their education with the skills Texas employers need.
The Big Picture: More students are graduating prepared for the workforce or further education, ensuring a steady flow of skilled talent for Texas employers.
Texas Dual Credit Fall Enrollment, 1999-2023
Source: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Expanding pathways: Trade schools, apprenticeships are thriving
Texas has nearly 40,000 active apprentices — almost one-third of the nation’s total — with 198% growth over the past decade.
With 1,000+ registered apprenticeship programs across the state, employers are building the skilled workforce they need while students earn and learn.
💡Fun fact: Texas community and technical colleges awarded 46,466 technical and vocational certificates in 2024, equipping students with specific, practical skills for a particular trade or occupation. That’s 5,000 more certifications than in 2023.
Spotlight: Rural innovation in South Texas
Rural Texas needs help in breaking the cycle of its most promising graduates leaving for the big city due to a lack of good-paying careers in their hometowns.
The Rural Schools Innovation Zone responds to this challenge through a first-of-its-kind partnership among five South Texas school districts working together to expand college and career opportunities.
Students enroll in one of five academies: early college, STEM, medical, technical or education. Each is designed to prepare them for high-demand careers in their region.
Did you know? 91% of students enrolled in the program graduated college, career or military ready.
Source: CBS News
Positive change takes leadership
Source: University of Texas at El Paso
If Texas parents, employers and policymakers want all students to graduate career and college-ready, it will take continued leadership, partnership and commitment to a future where every student:
- Masters reading and math early
- Attends a high school focused on true readiness for career, college or both
- Gains clear, early insight into which careers lead to strong, family-sustaining wages
- Uses community colleges to build skills and credentials over time
Where Texas 2036 fits in
The data is clear: Texas is growing, innovating and building pathways for success in every corner of the state.
At Texas 2036, we track the trends and gather the data that give leaders a full picture of our state’s workforce and education systems.
By bringing these insights to the table, we help state and business decision-makers advance smart, future-focused strategies that create opportunity for every Texan. With a bright future ahead, we are here to help lead the way.