2022–2030 STRATEGIC PLAN - Building a Talent Strong Texas

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah

2022–2030 Strategic Plan outlines a statewide agenda for Texas higher education to build “a Talent Strong Texas” by strengthening workforce-aligned credentials and accelerating research, development, and innovation. The plan responds to changing economic needs and the COVID-19–driven shift in how Texans learn and work, emphasizing expanded opportunity for both traditional students and adult learners. Measurable, data-driven goals target credential attainment and equitable progress, supported by publicly available metrics and collaboration across stakeholders.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Building a Talent Strong Texas

Goals

Attainment of Postsecondary Credentials

Advancing Equity for the Benefit of All Texans

[www.highered.texas.gov/](www.highered.texas.gov/TalentStrong)[TalentStrong](www.highered.texas.gov/TalentStrong) 2022–2030 STRATEGIC PLAN Building a Talent Strong Texas Fostering the skills and spurring the innovation vital to the Texas economy. The state of Texas is educating, graduating, and preparing more students to join the workforce and drive the economy than ever before—and remains frmly committed to Building a Talent Strong Texas for decades to come. Entering the middle of the 21st Century, Texas has the ninth-largest economy in the world. We are an established global leader as we constantly modernize, expand, and diversify – our success is powered by our increasingly educated workforce. Texans have earned more degrees, certificates, and credentials over the past decade than at any time in history, and Texas has outpaced every other state in growing our undergraduate and graduate student enrollment. But the economy is always changing. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated trends that were already underway in how Texans learn, work, connect, and use technology. And, now more than ever before, a growing number of jobs require credentials beyond high school diplomas. To meet these challenges, Texas institutions of higher education must expand opportunities for all Texans to earn degrees, certificates, and other credentials. More specifically, the state must lead the nation in awarding credentials of value that offer purpose in the economy, value in the labor market, and opportunities for good jobs and meaningful careers. That’s the Texas way. For generations, the state has empowered Texans to succeed by fostering individual opportunities for both education and employment. In that spirit, Texas institutions of higher education must offer a broad range of degrees, certificates, and other credentials that help both traditional students and adult learners reach their goals. By doing so, we will lead the nation economically, since every student who earns a credential of value widens Texas’ advantage. The demands are clear — employers increasingly rely on highly educated workers, employees need postsecondary credentials of value, and innovation remakes the economic landscape daily. Higher education leaders, educators, employers, and policymakers have a unique opportunity to better align the educational opportunities Texas offers with the skills Texans need. This will be accomplished through a statewide strategic plan that empowers all students to contribute to, participate in, and benefit from our world class economy. Raising the Bar for Higher Education in Texas Texas has continually raised the bar for higher education, through Closing the Gaps in 2000, and 60x30TX in 2015. We will not back off the goals set by those plans. Instead, we will raise the bar even higher. Our economy demands nothing less. We will do this by focusing on three measurable, data-driven goals: • Attainment of certificates and degrees so at least 60% of Texans ages 25-64 have a postsecondary credential of value by 2030. • Postsecondary credentials of value aligned with workforce demands that will raise incomes for individual Texans while reducing debt. • Research, development, and innovation that drives discovery, improves lives, broadens education, and creates new jobs. Across all these goals, we will renew our commitment to equity. Texas is one of the youngest and most diverse states, so if we’re not advancing our goals equitably, we cannot meet those goals. In the updated plan, equity will be embedded throughout our goals. All goals will be tied to metrics that are publicly available for students and families, colleges and universities, employers, and policymakers to use in making decisions. These goals can only be achieved collaboratively, working with public and private sector stakeholders to break down historic silos and serving as a resource, partner, and advocate for Texas higher education. The path forward

FAQs

What is the purpose of the 2022–2030 Strategic Plan for Texas higher education?

It sets a statewide direction to build a Talent Strong Texas by expanding access to degrees, certificates, and other credentials that have value for the economy and the labor market, while driving research and innovation.

What key measurable goals does the plan set for 2030?

The plan focuses on achieving at least 60% attainment of value postsecondary credentials for Texans ages 25–64, aligning valuable credentials with workforce demands to raise incomes while reducing debt, and expanding research, development, and innovation that creates jobs and improves lives.

How does the plan address equity across all students?

Equity is embedded throughout the goals, with indicators disaggregated and reported by race, gender, income level, and geography to ensure all Texans have an opportunity to succeed.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Sarah