Fortunately, Texas leaders have been at work on finding ways to address these concerns. Many colleges and universities are requesting money beyond the amount set aside. Only a few months after the program was implemented, approximately 11,000 of Texas' most financially needy students will be able to attend college this year through this program. But that should not be the end of the story. Although we've helped thousands of young Texans help themselves so they, in turn, can become the Texans our state must have to ensure its economic success, we should consider doing even more.
Few investments pay bigger dividends than education.
For the future of Texas and all the people who live here, we must take steps to guarantee access to a quality education through college. Additional funding would enhance its success. Under a proposal put forward by University of Texas Chancellor William Cunningham, the Texas system of public higher education would be reorganized into distinctive groupings, or tiers. Seven Texas universities would be upgraded to top-tier schools. Some legislators said the plan was a good start from a well-respected educator but pointed out that an independent report on the same subject, due out in October, is being compiled by the state Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and an outside consultant.