20,010 by 2010 Initiative

Metro Austin has one of the best educated talent bases in the world. More than two-thirds of our population has some college education. Approximately 40% has at least a bachelor's degree. Metro Austin, however, imports much of this skilled labor through enrollment at UT-Austin or through employment at many of our high-technology companies. Though improving, the metro area actually lags in the percentage of its "home-grown" population attending higher education. The premium for education continues to grow. To provide more opportunities for our residents, Metro Austin should increase its higher education enrollment percentage from approximately 67,000 or 4.4% of the home grown population, in 2000, to 100,000 in 2015 or 6%. Over the last five years, Metro Austin higher education enrollment increases have kept up with overall population growth, but our growth trajectory is only half what it needs to be. The Chamber's education initiatives were established to help increase metro-Austin's college enrollment rate by 20,010 more students by the year 2010.

Actions Which Require Assistance

• Invest in Opportunity Austin 2.0, which finances the 20,010 by 2010 Initiative.
• Support regional efforts to increase completion of the Apply Texas Application.
• Execute plan to increase 15% annually college-ready graduates through Austin Partners in Education and others.
• Execute plan to increase 7% annually the submission of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.
• Assist Foundation Communities in preparing IRS tax forms to help expedite the financial aid application process.
• Assist with college preparation/enrollment through the Skillpoint Alliance College & Career Fair October 7, 2009.
• Ensure Texas regulators provide graduation reports no later than 150 days after May graduation.
• Ensure Texas regulators increase "college ready" standard to reflect actual college readiness expectations.
• Work with Legislature to align accreditation in K12 accountability system with student college readiness.
• Work with Legislature to align college readiness with state $550 million TEXAS Grant financial aid program.

Opportunity Austin 2.0
Opportunity Austin, the Chamber's economic development arm, unveiled the new phase of its growth strategy, Opportunity Austin 2.0. The business initiative was developed in order to continue Central Texas' strong economic development growth and to more effectively compete with national and international communities in attracting and retaining talent and businesses. With Opportunity Austin 2.0, business leaders in Central Texas are reinforcing their steadfast commitment to improving the area's work force, quality of life and business climate through aggressive, proactive programming. For more information click on one of the following links: News Release, Opportunity Austin 2.0 Brochure or www.OpportunityAustin.com. The 2007 Opportunity Austin Annual Report is available here.

The Chamber would like to recognize the generous contributions and thank GSD&M for the design and the University of Texas for printing the Opportunity Austin 2.0 brochure.

For more information on Opportunity Austin 2.0, contact Drew Scheberle, Senior Vice President for Education and Talent Development at dscheberle@austinchamber.com or 512.322.5628.