Houston, TX – Houstonians for Great Public Schools (Houston GPS) today announced the start of a new campaign focused on postsecondary readiness for HISD students, ensuring students graduate high school with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue meaningful choices after graduation, whether that is college, a technical certification, or a career leading to a living wage and a fulfilling life.
As HISD doubles down on investments in early college programs, career pathways, and tracking benchmarks of success, more must be done as quickly as possible to ensure every graduating class is prepared to succeed after high school. Historically, just one out of every five HISD graduates will earn a living wage, leading to fewer skilled workers, fewer families with real options, and a city where opportunity shrinks instead of grows. Postsecondary credentials, including a degree, technical certification, or apprenticeship, are the strongest predictor of living wage attainment. Without a credential, graduates earn about $10,000 less than what it takes to reach a living wage.
“HISD has made progress in increasing access to rigorous postsecondary pathways, and together parents, community advocates, and business leaders must urge the district to build on this momentum,” said Jasmine Colvin, Managing Director for Houston GPS. “Public education must open doors to opportunity. By implementing sound education policies and tracking student benchmarks throughout their entire education journey, we can ensure our children are prepared to succeed after high school.”
Seventy percent of Texas jobs will require a postsecondary credential by 2036, which means today’s third graders will graduate into a job market that requires high-level skills and credentials aligned with meaningful careers. By tracking student success benchmarks starting as early as Pre-K, HISD can act early and intervene when needed to equip every student with the skills, support, and pathways needed to attain credentials of value and sustain the economic vitality of our region.
“Enhancing postsecondary success is not only vital for students’ outcomes but for Houston’s economic mobility in the future,” said Colvin. “As work demands continue to evolve, a more advanced workforce will be necessary, and it is up to us today to ensure our kids are ready to thrive in this new reality.”