20,010 by 2010 Initiative

Companies are drawn to Metro Austin because more than two-thirds of our talent base has some college education; approximately 40% has at least a bachelor's degree. This highly educated population provides local businesses a broad, competitive labor force. Metro Austin, however, imports much of this skilled labor through enrollment at UT-Austin, Texas State or local private universities, as well as through employment at many of Austin’s high-technology companies.

To stay competitive, Metro Austin needs to increase its higher education enrollment percentage from approximately 50,000 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 Austin Chamber of commerce created numerous programs to increase Metro Austin’s education levels, all of which are encompassed by Opportunity Austin 2.0. The main education initiative, 20,010 by 2010, focuses on ways to increase Metro Austin’s college enrollment rate by 20,010 more students by the year 2010.

Under the 20,010 by 2010 initiative, high school counselors use a performance management approach to ensure students complete specific tasks proven to increase enrollment in institutions of higher education. Because of this initiative, many schools in Metro Austin now employ College Enrollment Managers (CEMs), counselors who advise students on the collegiate process. Among other things, CEMs ensure students submit the FAFSA by March 31 and the electronic Texas Common Application by May 31.

CEMs ensure students graduate “college and career ready,” and get them help through programs, such as Austin Partners in Education (APIE) and Round Rock Partners in Education (RRPIE), if they are not. The Chamber formed APIE with the Austin Independent School District. One primary function is to help non-college-ready students academically prepare for college. CEMs also help students find ways to apply for and secure financial aid, to include Financial Aid Saturdays. Financial Aid Saturdays events, hosted by the Chamber, provide students and families free personal assistance with filling out the FAFSA.

The Chamber works with the UT-Austin’s Ray Marshall Center to help surrounding school districts better prepare their students for education beyond high school graduation. The Student Futures Project links senior surveys to administrative records, employment records, and actual post graduation activities of every student to develop a comprehensive view of programs and specific activities that increase the likelihood of students enrolling in college. CEMs are an integral part of getting 75% of area seniors to take the survey.

After CEMs help students prepare for college, they follow through and ensure as many students as possible actually enroll in a postsecondary institution the semester following graduation. The hard work and passion of College Enrollment Managers has greatly improved the chances of many students not only vital entering, but also succeeding in postsecondary institutions. In the near future, CEMs will receive incentive pay based on how many students they help succeed.

In order to accommodate the increased number of students attending college, the Austin Chamber works with local colleges to expand and enhance current programs. The development of Texas State University’s Round Rock campus and the expansion of Austin Community College are the main focus of this effort.

Learn how you can help more local students enroll in college.

Meet the College Enrollment Managers in each district.

For more information contact Drew Scheberle, Austin Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President, Education and Talent Development, 512.322.5628.

This chart depicts the programs each school district participates in. Combined, these 14 ISDs make up 93% of the students enrolled in Metro Austin.