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Texas Strives for Higher College Completion, But Coastal Bend Faces Barriers

Education Challenges in the Coastal Bend Region Highlight Gaps in Postsecondary Access

In the heart of Texas’ Coastal Bend, residents face barriers that threaten the state’s ambitious goals for college completion. While Texas leaders are setting lofty targets for higher education, rural areas like Mathis are struggling with the logistics of making it happen.

Lisa Lopez, 33, found herself at a crossroads this summer. While working at a Cricket store, she came across a Facebook ad for “Continuing Education” sponsored by an unfamiliar nonprofit. Though she was skeptical, the ad piqued her interest in furthering her education. The decision wasn’t easy — Lopez had doubts about returning to school after years of navigating a winding career path. “I’ve always felt like I don’t have enough time or resources,” she shared. Lopez is far from alone in this sentiment, as many adults in Texas’ Coastal Bend face similar struggles with accessing higher education and training.

Rural Communities in Texas Grapple with Educational Gaps

The issue goes beyond just Lopez’s personal dilemma. The Coastal Bend — home to many Hispanic families — has some of the lowest college completion rates in the state. In places like Mathis, fewer than 10% of adults hold an associate’s degree or higher. This educational gap has a ripple effect on the local economy. Despite the growing demand for skilled workers in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, many local residents don’t have the qualifications to fill these jobs.

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This problem isn’t confined to just the Coastal Bend. It reflects a larger issue that is playing out across Texas. While the state has set an ambitious goal of increasing the number of residents with postsecondary credentials to 60% by 2030, reaching that target is a monumental challenge — particularly when considering the difficulties faced by the Hispanic population. Roughly a quarter of Hispanic adults in Texas hold an associate’s degree or higher, which is much lower than the state average of 40% for Black adults and over 50% for White adults.

A Disconnect Between Education and Workforce Demands

Texas’ educational system, while vast, is often disconnected from the evolving demands of the workforce. Jobs in fields like nursing and skilled manufacturing are booming, but without a clear path to the education and certifications required for these roles, many in rural areas find themselves left behind.

Texas’ efforts to bridge this gap include policy shifts like linking community college funding to the number of credentials awarded in high-demand fields. However, there’s still much work to be done to ensure that students are getting the right education and training that leads to viable, well-paying careers. Unfortunately, many rural areas lack the information and resources needed to guide students in this direction.

The Role of Information and Access

One of the largest challenges facing communities like Mathis is the lack of access to information about postsecondary options. For rural students, attending college fairs or meeting with admissions officers is often not an option. The distance and cost of traveling to college campuses in Texas’ urban centers create an additional barrier. The University of Texas at Austin recognized this issue in July, announcing national funding aimed at tackling these gaps in knowledge and access for rural students.

Beyond simply attending college, rural Texans face difficulties when it comes to knowing what skills are required for the jobs they want. Many local residents don’t know what qualifications or training they need to pursue better job opportunities without having to relocate. This lack of access to career guidance further fuels the educational disparity seen in the state.

Research from the University of Texas Education Resource Center underscores the importance of local resources and options for students. In rural communities, the absence of local support makes it harder for students to prepare for life after high school. This is particularly true in places like the Coastal Bend, where financial aid options, recruitment events, and campus visits are rare.

Texas’ Workforce Goals at Risk

Texas’ workforce goals depend heavily on closing these educational gaps. According to Texas 2036, a nonprofit focused on the state’s future, half of all Texans have no education beyond high school. Yet, the majority of jobs that claim to require only a high school diploma actually demand postsecondary training. This discrepancy leaves many in rural areas stuck in low-paying jobs that don’t lead to long-term career advancement.

Despite efforts to increase community college access and boost credentials, much of the state’s workforce remains unprepared for the challenges of the modern job market. The mismatch between education and employment needs risks stalling Texas’ economic growth and undermining the state’s ability to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.

The gap in college completion rates and workforce readiness in Texas’ rural regions is one that needs immediate attention. As the state works toward its postsecondary goals, understanding and addressing the unique challenges of communities like the Coastal Bend will be key to ensuring that all Texans have the opportunity to succeed.

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