The state of Texas will not achieve its educational attainment and economic development goals without fully unlocking the talent and potential of its rural students–all 700,000+ of them. When students earn a postsecondary credential they are better prepared to contribute to the economic prosperity of their region and to achieve a better quality of life. As such, rural communities across our state are engaging in collaborative and innovative approaches to education and workforce development.
Grantmaking to support rural collaboratives is one of our strategic priorities and in 2021 we awarded $5.8 million in grants to this critical area of opportunity. Our 2021 Annual Report showcases the powerful and deeply collaborative work occurring in rural communities across the Texas landscape.