Over the past several days, we have been reminded of the dreams and objectives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., particularly those relating to reducing poverty and inequality of opportunity among various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Through the years, people from all walks of life have affirmed the value of the lofty goals he proclaimed, and numerous endeavors have been undertaken to reach them. Much, however, remains to be done.
No single factor is more critical to the success in furthering Dr. King’s legacy than enhancing educational attainment and opportunities across a broad spectrum. Education, of course, is universally lauded for its importance in creating opportunities for individuals to move ahead and become contributing members of society.
Many of the jobs of tomorrow, and even of today, require much higher levels of education and preparation than a generation ago. In order to sustain and enrich our economy in the future, it is imperative that we have a workforce with the knowledge and training to make the strides necessary to forge ahead. Indeed, accomplishing ambitious educational goals may well determine the level of success we have in advancing our economy in the years to come. Failing to do so will no doubt limit our potential.
Given the underlying demographic realities of the Lone Star State, this issue is entirely critical to our well-being. The Closing the Gaps in 2015 initiative was adopted in October 2000 by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board with supporters including educational, business, and political leaders across the state. The main purpose of the plan was to increase student participation and educational success. Particular emphasis was placed on encouraging minority enrollments.
The Texas program was not the first adopted along these lines, but it is among the most ambitious. Some programs have had greater success than others, but in most cases, the endeavors have already demonstrated that educational attainment levels can be improved with the proper support. Along with such positive conclusions are congruent studies that indicate much greater effort must continually be put forth for student populations to reach the desired levels.
The Texas plan had remarkable early success. The initial target was to increase 2005 enrollment in Texas institutions of higher learning by 150,000 over the 2000 levels. Incorporated into the overall enrollment goals were African-American growth of 22,200, Hispanic increase of 101,600, and White gain of 24,100 students. Within four years, the aggregate 2005 enrollment objective had been surpassed by nearly 38,900. Whites and African-Americans exceeded their individual goals a year early, but Hispanics fell short by significant numbers.
Preliminary enrollment data for Texas colleges and universities last fall presented a new challenge. The percentage of growth had dropped. While total enrollment increased by more than 19,100 over the 2004 enrollment figures, the gain was less than two-thirds as much as the increase between 2003 and 2004.
Forecasts for growth in the state population over the next decade have added another imperative to the statewide educational plan. Instead of the 1.5 million additional students anticipated in order to meet the Closing the Gaps by 2015 goal for the percentage of population in higher education programs, some 1.63 million students are now considered to be required.
While this challenge is not insurmountable, it is a daunting task, especially when the Hispanic expansion is predicted to far exceed that of any other ethnic group over the next decade, and the percentage of Hispanics currently enrolling in college is lower than other groups.
Hispanics will inevitably account for a large number of workers in the future across the Lone Star State. Unless significant improvement is made in reinforcing their educational opportunities and in encouraging and enabling greater numbers to gain additional knowledge in higher learning institutions, Hispanics might have to endure lower-paying jobs and have fewer opportunities for advancements. In such a scenario, the entire state could be dramatically affected.
While the amount of money required to attend colleges and universities is high and continuing to grow, there are significant government assistance programs as well as institution and private scholarships accessible for those with financial needs. Numerous loan programs are also available for this purpose. The first step, however, is in qualifying for admission, and that takes proper preparation. The earlier it begins, the greater the chances for success. In some cases, even realizing that higher education is a viable option is a notable hurdle.
Dr. King’s vision was for greater economic equality and increased opportunities for all people. The effectiveness of our responses to what he dreamed for our nation will in many ways determine his legacy. It will also impact the economic potential of Texas in fundamental ways.