HCC hosts workshop on future of higher education
Jul 28, 2016
Educational attainment and completion was the overarching mission of the 2016 Gulf Coast Regional 60x30TX Workshop held at the Houston Community College (HCC) Central campus.
HCC joined the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) as a co-host for this event that brought out leading representatives from colleges, high schools, businesses, and communities from the Greater Houston Area for a day-long discussion about 60x30, the new Texas higher education strategic plan.
The goals of 60x30TX are:
• By 2030, 60 percent of individuals between the ages of 25-34, will have a postsecondary degree or certificate;
• By 2030, at least 550,000 students complete a certificate, associate, bachelor, or master from a Texas public, independent, or for-profit college or university;
• By 2030, all graduates from Texas public universities will have completed programs with identified marketable skills;
• By 2030, the undergraduate student loan debt will not exceed 60 percent of the first-year wage for graduates of Texas public institutions.
“This particular strategic plan is entirely student-centered,” said Dr. Raymund Paredes, THECB Commissioner of Higher Education. “It’s about student success. It’s about making sure that students graduate and have marketable skills. It’s about students completing their education without significant debt.”
HCC Chancellor, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, addressed how Houston Community College is aligning postsecondary programs with the workforce needs through our 13 Centers of Excellence.
“This shift is a deliberate effort to help students identify their interests and enroll in programs that would expedite their education to completion,” said Chancellor Maldonado. “Our objective is to help students understand that a two-year degree can equip them with the skills to achieve gainful employment in many areas of the workforce.”
The event, made possible through support from Lumina Foundation, also featured panel discussions and breakout sessions about how all participants can collaborate to make 60x30TX a reality.