General Manager's Note — June 2009

General Manager's Note — June 2009

By Katherine Kennedy Friday, 26 June 2009

In today’s fast-paced world, a college education is the rule rather than the exception. According to the Texas State Comptroller’s office, a bachelor’s degree holder’s median weekly income is 64 percent higher than that of a high school graduate. A person with a master’s degree will have a median weekly income that is an additional 25 percent higher.

However, tuition can be one of the most challenging obstacles facing college-bound students. Now, according to my handy loan calculator, I will be re-paying my tuition loans for the next 10 years.

Recently, lawmakers failed to pass a bill preventing Texas’ major schools from increasing tuition and fees by more than 5 percent each year. Since 2003, tuition and fees have risen by more than 85 percent.

Despite this potential deterrent, companies need well-educated candidates, and our community is working hard to create them.

During my time as a writer for Community Impact Newspaper, I learned about companies and organizations in and around the Central Texas that are raising educational standards in our community.

Capital IDEA, in particular, encourages furthering education even to those who think it is out of their reach. Participants at any educational level can seek help from Capital IDEA. The organization works with colleges in the area to ensure they are offering courses in the fields in which skilled workers are needed in the community. One hundred percent of their participants get jobs when they complete the program.

Katherine Kennedy

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