Read the Summary
Our research reveals which experiences in grades 8-12 best prepare students for long-term success
Postsecondary research
Are Graduation Rates Enough? We Found Out.
For years, education success was measured by test scores and graduation rates. But we asked a bigger question: Are those milestones really paying off for students once they leave high school? Our research followed graduates into the workforce and uncovered a critical truth:
Fewer than 1 in 4 Houston-area graduates earn a living wage six years after graduation.
That finding reshaped the conversation—not just in Houston, but across the country. Today, education leaders and policymakers use living wage attainment as a framework for decision-making, and our research is regularly cited in media coverage and policy debates.
This work directly fuels our North Star Goal: doubling the number of Houston graduates earning a living wage by 2040.
Inside Our Latest Research
We pair data with dialogue, gathering stories and perspectives from those closest to the classroom.
Our Impact
Shaping Conversations
Living wage framework is now used by district leaders, business partners, and community organizations as a measure of educational effectiveness.
Informing Decisions
District leaders across Houston use our research as a decision-making matrix for evaluating programs and initiatives.
Supporting Policy and Practice
Our research insights informed major education policy during the 89th Texas Legislature, and continues to drive our district advising recommendations.
Digestible Research at Your Fingertips
Stay connected with our latest research findings through our newsletters, blog posts, and public events. We regularly share new insights and data analyses that can inform decision-making across Houston’s education ecosystem.
