The Literacy Coalition of Central Texas
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No High School Diploma - GED Needs


164,452 adults in Central Texas 18 years and older do not have a high school diploma or GED.

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SOURCES: 2006-2008 American Community Survey; Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Executive Services


The American Community Survey does not include local statistics of people within the Criminal Justice system.  To have the most accurate account of the community need in its entirety, it is important to include data about this population.


High school students in Central Texas continue to drop out, adding thousands to the total number in need each year.


 

1,618 students who were supposed to graduate from various high schools in Central Texas in the year 2008 ended up dropping out instead.

 

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SOURCE: Texas Education Agency


While the American Community Survey includes information about the ‘adults 18 years and older’ population, it is not clear whether or not those figures include all seniors in Texas public high schools.  Some data may overlap, but the Texas Education Agency’s Longitudinal Completion Cohort report on the Senior Class of 2008 helps provide another indication of the need for GED services in the Central Texas community.  The high school dropout figure will continue to add to the overall need each year for GED services in the community.


 

 Many adults cannot enter GED test preparation programs because their literacy skills are too limited.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the basic literacy needs in Central Texas.


Why should we care? CLICK HERE to see the negative impacts of low literacy and low educational attainment on your community.