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Across Bexar County, more young people than ever are taking next steps toward college and career success — and this momentum is no accident. It is the result of unprecedented alignment among school districts, higher education partners, youth development organizations, philanthropic and business leaders who share a singular goal: ensuring every young person in our community is truly future ready.
As educational leaders across the Future Ready network — including UP Partnership and the seven public school districts — we witness daily the energy and determination of our students, educators, advisors and families. Today, we are proud to share meaningful progress — not just in individual districts, but across the entire county, guided by thorough data analysis from our community systems-change partner, UP Partnership.
A community alignment years in the making
In 2022, leaders across sectors united around the Future Ready Bexar County Plan, anchored by a North Star goal to increase postsecondary degree or credential program enrollment after high school graduation to 70% by 2030. To reach that shared goal, partners committed to focus areas — Healing, Access and Voice — and more recently realized we also needed to add Systems Support to provide a holistic approach toward helping our young people unlock their maximum potential. This commitment has reshaped how partners across Bexar County work together.
Schools, colleges, nonprofits and community agencies are now aligning advising practices, strengthening dual credit pathways, elevating youth voice and coordinating mental health supports in far more intentional and connected ways than before the Future Ready Bexar County plan launched.
This collaboration is creating conditions for measurable gains.
Educational data is rising, reflecting upward progress
Last year, data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) showed that 56% of Bexar County’s Class of 2023 enrolled in a postsecondary program at a Texas institution. When UP Partnership analyzed the broader National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) dataset — which also includes students who enrolled outside of Texas — the enrollment rate rose to 62%. This six-point difference demonstrates how aligned advising, application support, and student pathways are turning into measurable gains for young people.
For the Class of 2024, progress accelerated again.
According to the NSC, that class reached a 64% postsecondary enrollment rate — a two-point increase from last year.
To put this in perspective: models originally projected Bexar County would not hit this level of postsecondary enrollment until the Class of 2028. Our young people, powered by the support of caring adults in their lives — parents, teachers and youth development professionals — reached that milestone years ahead of schedule.
In addition to postsecondary enrollment gains, several districts exceeded regional and state performance on College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR). Five Future Ready districts surpassed the regional CCMR rate of 72% and three exceeded the state rate of 82%.
This growth reflects the extraordinary work happening in classrooms and campuses across the county — work rooted in strategic advising, increased FAFSA support, expanded dual credit access and a long-term focus on student engagement.
Collective action is working — and students are benefiting
Behind every data point is a student taking meaningful steps toward economic mobility, stability and independence. Each enrollment reflects years of upstream work — from early childhood learning to out-of-school-time enrichment, from mental health supports to academic advising and workforce exposure.
The message is clear: when a community shares data, aligns strategies and invests in young people together, measurable change happens.
In our districts, this looks like:
- advisors meeting one-on-one with students to help them navigate pathways
- expanded mental health and healing initiatives that ensure students feel supported
- robust dual credit and Early College High School programs reducing financial barriers
- student voice initiatives empowering youth to shape decisions about their futures
This progress does not belong to any single district, institution or organization. It belongs to the entire Future Ready network — and, most importantly, to the young people of Bexar County.
Sustaining the momentum toward 2030
Reaching 70% enrollment by 2030 is achievable — but it will require continued alignment and urgency. As district leaders, we are committed to strengthening the systems that have brought us to this moment.
In the years ahead, we will remain focused on:
- deepening cross-district alignment
- improving and expanding advising systems
- increasing access to financial aid and scholarships
- working with higher education and employer partners to ensure students transition successfully
- ensuring every young person, regardless of zip code, is seen, supported, and prepared for postsecondary success
Our progress demonstrates what is possible when a community moves together with a shared vision. The young people of Bexar County are talented, resilient and ready. It is our responsibility — and honor — to continue building the pathways that help them thrive.
We are proud of the collective gains achieved so far. And we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that every student has access to the opportunities they deserve.
This sponsored article was written by Cathy Jones, CEO of UP Partnership, and the superintendents Roland Toscano, East Central ISD; Eduardo Hernandéz, Edgewood ISD; Gerado Soto, Harlandale ISD; John M. Craft, Northside ISD; Jaime Aquino, San Antonio ISD; and Jeanette Ball, Southwest ISD.
