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Community college “deserts” deter Texas students from getting a degree, report says
Read full article: Community college “deserts” deter Texas students from getting a degree, report saysBlack and Hispanic high schoolers who have to drive more than 30 minutes to a community college are less likely to pursue a degree, the report found.
Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prison
Read full article: Inside the only college class in Texas to help prepare inmates for life after prisonMore than 250 Texas prisoners are on the waitlist to join the Lee College reentry class. Programs like these prepare students to find jobs and help lower recidivism.
Texas colleges pitch quick credentials as a first step toward higher wages. But students often fall off the path.
Read full article: Texas colleges pitch quick credentials as a first step toward higher wages. But students often fall off the path.Short-term certificates can only take a few weeks to get but don’t always lead to better earnings or higher degrees.
Nearly half of Texas high school students who earn college credits are Hispanic, study says
Read full article: Nearly half of Texas high school students who earn college credits are Hispanic, study saysDespite the group’s strong participation, Hispanic students graduate college at a lower rate than peers in the program, according to a report.
North Texas colleges want to make transferring between schools easier, saving students time and money
Read full article: North Texas colleges want to make transferring between schools easier, saving students time and moneyThousands of Texas transfer students each year don’t get credit for some community college courses. The partnership seeks to address that.
Texas wind energy firms need more technicians. Can they drum up student interest without state support?
Read full article: Texas wind energy firms need more technicians. Can they drum up student interest without state support?The wind industry promises attractive salaries. But a lack of training programs and waning political support make it difficult to find new recruits.
With new state funds in hand, community colleges waive tuition for some high school students
Read full article: With new state funds in hand, community colleges waive tuition for some high school studentsCommunity college leaders hope free tuition programs will help change the conversation about the affordability of higher education amid a growing skepticism over the value of a college degree.
Many Texas community college students who transfer don’t finish their degrees, study says
Read full article: Many Texas community college students who transfer don’t finish their degrees, study saysBlack students and students over 24 are less likely to get their bachelor’s degree after transferring, the report found.
Texans with smaller student loans could see federal debt canceled as soon as February
Read full article: Texans with smaller student loans could see federal debt canceled as soon as FebruaryTexas borrowers enrolled in the SAVE loan repayment program will have their debt canceled if they took out $12,000 or less and have been repaying for at least 10 years.
A new way to fund Texas community colleges focuses on student success, not enrollment
Read full article: A new way to fund Texas community colleges focuses on student success, not enrollmentA historic $683 million investment in community colleges rewards schools for getting students to complete a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year university or participate in college courses as early as high school.
These rural Texans opted out of a degree. The community college down the street wants them back.
Read full article: These rural Texans opted out of a degree. The community college down the street wants them back.To survive, Texas community colleges have to prove their worth. But residents of this rural north Texas town are questioning what's right for them.
Texans have many educational credentials to choose from to begin a career. Here’s how to navigate them.
Read full article: Texans have many educational credentials to choose from to begin a career. Here’s how to navigate them.Texans who aren’t sure about college have several pathways to well-paying jobs. Here’s how those programs prepare people for careers when a four-year degree may not fit.
Texas colleges provide job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to access it.
Read full article: Texas colleges provide job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to access it.Students with disabilities can find success in college, live independently and get jobs with the right kind of help. Here are college programs that provide support.
Texas colleges offer job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to use those programs.
Read full article: Texas colleges offer job training for students with disabilities. Here’s how to use those programs.Students with disabilities can succeed in college with the right kind of help. There are programs that can support them. The programs help them live on their own, find jobs, and make a difference where they live.
As demand for skilled workers rises in Texas, work-based educational programs see a resurgence
Read full article: As demand for skilled workers rises in Texas, work-based educational programs see a resurgenceMany Texas residents can opt for a variety of different educational programs that are shorter, more appropriate to their needs and often cost less than a bachelor’s degree.
Texas House OKs bill that would fund community colleges based on their performance
Read full article: Texas House OKs bill that would fund community colleges based on their performanceUnder this new model, community colleges would receive state funds based on the number of graduates who earn certificates or degrees and the number of students who transfer to four-year universities.
Texas higher education leaders say equitable access is key for graduation goals
Read full article: Texas higher education leaders say equitable access is key for graduation goalsDuring a Texas Tribune event on higher education, panelists also spoke about using the state’s historic surplus to improve the affordability of universities and keep rising costs down.
Texas commission recommends tying community colleges’ state funding to their performance
Read full article: Texas commission recommends tying community colleges’ state funding to their performanceState higher education leaders are pushing for the changes as community colleges face greater workforce demands and financial pressures. The commission’s report now goes to lawmakers, who are expected to file legislation on the matter next session.
Texas could tie community college funding to student outcomes
Read full article: Texas could tie community college funding to student outcomesA commission tasked by the Texas Legislature to recommend new ways to fund community colleges is suggesting the state fund schools based on how successful students are at completing programs in high-demand fields and transferring to universities to continue their education.
Texas created a program to help students reenroll in college during the pandemic. Schools struggled to find students who qualified.
Read full article: Texas created a program to help students reenroll in college during the pandemic. Schools struggled to find students who qualified.College leaders blame strict requirements initially handed down by the state. “It was like we were on a hunt for a unicorn,” one spokesperson said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott allocates $94.6 million in federal money to help students and colleges recover from pandemic-fueled problems
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott allocates $94.6 million in federal money to help students and colleges recover from pandemic-fueled problemsMost of the money will be used to help Texas colleges and universities expand or add new programs in areas with employment shortages and provide additional aid to students.
Community colleges announce changes due to COVID-19
Read full article: Community colleges announce changes due to COVID-19HOUSTON KPRC 2 is giving students a clearer picture of the changes that are happening at local community colleges this semester amid the coronavirus pandemic. Lone Star CollegeLSC officials said they are moving forward with their plans to host students and faculty for the fall semester. When classes begin Aug. 25, about 25% will be face-to-face instruction and 50% will be online and 25% will be hybrid. Alvin Community CollegeAlvin Community College will also kick off its fall semester on Aug. 24. The reopening plans for the remaining local community colleges are still being hammered out.