According to the College Board Texas ranks 40th in the nation when it comes to having a population with a higher education. Some worry not enough is being done to better than number.
In 2005 Texas ranked 46th in the same listing. This shows some improvement but local educators say school districts can't fix this alone and likely need extra support to achieve more going forward.
"We made some progress but 40 or 46 is still totally unacceptable," says Janie Landin Ramirez, executive director of the Closing The Gaps council. "We've got to do better than that, but it's going to take a unified effort. We need the help of the business community, leaders, parents."
Ramirez says Lubbock and its 21 surrounding counties lag behind the state average. About 55 percent of Texans go on to seek a higher education. The number is 47 percent of people in the South Plains area.
She says to increase the number we must emphasize college to the growing Hispanic population and focus on starting young with all demographics. Ramirez says early childhood education programs are key to getting kids on the right path, but in many cases those programs are shrinking, not expanding.
Educators say it's also vital to get students comfortable with being on a college campus so they can see that as part of their future. That's the purpose of a back-to-school fiesta at Texas Tech this Saturday.
Students and parents can meet with college representatives to learn how to prepare for college and qualify for financial aid.
Texas Tech Back to School Fiesta
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31
United Spirit Arena
