Houston is a city that prides itself on big dreams and bold action. We call ourselves the city of opportunity, a place where hard work pays off and ambition has no limits. Yet, for far too many of our young people, this promise remains unfulfilled.

New research from Good Reason Houston paints a sobering picture: of approximately 36,120 students who graduated from Houston-area public schools in 2017, only 20%—just 1 in 5—were earning a living wage of $42,000 a year within six years of graduation.

This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a crisis. For the remaining 80%, the future looks bleak—defined by low-wage jobs and financial instability. These aren’t faceless numbers; they’re our children, neighbors, and the future of Houston, left behind by an education system failing to prepare them for life after high school. The solution demands bold and urgent action. If Houston is to thrive, we must confront this failure and transform our public education system.

A critical factor in earning a living wage is completing a postsecondary credential, such as a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or trade certification. These credentials are gateways to higher-paying jobs and career growth. Yet, in Houston, only 27% of students go on to earn any postsecondary credential. That leaves nearly three-quarters of our graduates facing slim chances of economic mobility.

This gap reflects a larger problem: too many students graduate unprepared for what comes next. Some lack the academic foundation for higher education, while others encounter systemic barriers like high costs, limited advising, and inadequate access to career training programs. Breaking the cycle of low-wage jobs requires more than focusing on high school graduation; we must ensure students leave prepared for meaningful careers.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons for hope—particularly within Houston ISD, which is undergoing significant transformation. Under its current leadership, HISD has implemented bold reforms aimed at ensuring all students have access to high-quality schools, regardless of zip code. Programs like the New Education System (NES) initiative are already driving improvements in academic achievement at historically underperforming schools. For example, the district has seen a significant decrease in the number of schools rated D or F, signaling early progress toward improving outcomes for students. While much work remains, HISD’s progress shows what’s possible when we reject complacency and commit to change. The district’s efforts could serve as a model for the region.

There is much controversy surrounding HISD. However, years of inaction and complacency have brought us to where we are today—a state where only 53% of students can read on grade level and 41% of students perform math on grade level. As our research shows, failure to take bold action now risks condemning Houston’s children to a life without opportunity. Addressing the consequences of this prolonged inaction is the leadership challenge of our time.

Rebuilding trust in public education requires transparency from all stakeholders—school districts, administrators, and policymakers—not just about the challenges but also about the progress being made. Without this transparency, families lose confidence in the system and increasingly turn to private schools, charters, and homeschooling in search of better outcomes. If traditional public schools fail to improve, this exodus will only accelerate, putting the future viability of the system at risk.

Houston’s public schools undoubtedly need more funding. But money alone won’t fix a system unwilling to make tough, necessary choices. Resources must be prioritized for students and schools with the greatest needs. Funding should follow need, directing support to schools serving high concentrations of low-income students. Additionally, we must redirect resources from ineffective programs to those with proven success in preparing students for life beyond high school.

For too long, we’ve accepted excuses like poverty, systemic racism, and disinvestment as reasons for failure. While these challenges are real, they’re not reasons to tolerate mediocrity. Instead, they’re reasons to fight harder for equity and excellence in education. The fact that only 20% of graduates earn a living wage within six years and just 27% complete a postsecondary credential is unacceptable. Houston, a city built on resilience and innovation, cannot afford to ignore this crisis.

Transforming our schools will require the same boldness that defines Houston. By embracing ambitious reforms, making hard choices, and investing in strategies that work, we can fulfill the promise of opportunity for every student. The future of our children—and Houston itself—depends on it.