Texas community colleges are uniquely positioned to play a key role in addressing the skills gap challenge by helping more Texans earn the credentials required for high-demand, well-paying jobs. Now state policymakers have approved a new funding model for community colleges that aligns our state’s emerging workforce needs with strategic funding, resources and postsecondary opportunities that lead to a credential of value.
, which broke new ground in its detailed analyses of whom Texas community colleges serve, what the outcomes are and a review of overall costs. This collaborative work led to sweeping policy recommendations for the Legislature, including state funding for outcomes, improved affordability for students and targeted investments in college capacity.
House Bill 8, already signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, incorporates and builds on the hard work of the commission and provides a historic investment in our state’s higher education system to align policy and funding incentives with the needs of our workforce, put dual credit students on a pathway toward meaningful credentials, and expand opportunities for adult learners.
These historic policy changes were accomplished thanks to the collaborative work among community college leaders across the state, the Texas business community, policy experts and lawmakers. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and thoughtful partnerships that paved the way to this moment. As we shift gears and prepare to implement these bold changes, we are hopeful that, with all eyes on Texas, our hard work will realize our shared vision forHarrison Keller is the commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Ray Martinez is president of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. They wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.