My Degree Counts is a region wide initiative led by the Center for Houston’s Future and endorsed by Mayor Annise Parker, chancellors of nine regional community colleges, local university presidents, nonprofit directors, and business leaders.
The goal is to raise college graduation rates in the Greater Houston region by at least 1% by summer of 2013. Your Degree Counts!! Go for it!!
We publicly launched this campaign at a press conference on April 2, 2012 together with Mayor Parker, our spokespersons, Houston Texan Fullback James Casey and local rapper, Baby Jay, and our partners from various universities, community colleges, ISDs and nonprofits. For James Casey's and Baby Jay's bios, see link column on the right. Watch Baby Jay and James in action. Check out our press conference photos! Watch some of the news coverage.
FEAR? AGE? A DISABILITY? You can do it. There are many like you who are already doing it! Scroll down to see testimonials of others like you who are finding that it's possible.
LACK OF TIME? Finding the time to go back to school is one of the greatest challenges for working adults, but the effort to get your degree will be worth it!!! Time Management Skills | Mind Tools
According to a report by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, the share of postsecondary jobs (needing an Associate, Bachelor's degree or higher) will increase from 59% to 63% over the next decade. Don’t get left behind!!
You are less likely to be unemployed if you have a degree. While just 4.3% of Americans with four-year degrees are unemployed, 15% of those without a high school diploma currently do not have a job. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, July 2011)
The likelihood that children go to college increases if at least one parent has gone to college. (Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2001)
You will make about 84% more over your lifetime with a Bachelor's degree than with only a high school degree (2007-2009 American Community Survey.) Employers increasingly use diplomas and degrees as a way to screen applicants. And once you’ve landed the job you want, your salary will reflect your credentials.
Your Degree Counts!! Enroll in Dual Credit classes in high school, get that Associate, Bachelor’s or go for that Master’s degree, and you’ll be changing your future forever!
Better late than never!!! Act today!
These local colleges and universities are ready to help you!
Special thanks to Houston Public Media, Lone Star College - North Harris, San Jacinto College, and University of Houston Downtown, for their assistance in the shooting and production of our student interviews.
