The latest trends in postsecondary enrollment are concerning: Enrollment numbers were in decline before the pandemic and have accelerated since then. What does this mean for students, districts, and Houston more broadly? The declines across Houston will have long-term implications for a skilled workforce to meet the needs of our local economy. In addition, the disproportionate impact of postsecondary enrollment will exacerbate persistent gaps in economic opportunity for already disadvantaged communities.

School districts must double down on counseling supports over the next few months in order to boost enrollment and minimize “summer melt” – the time between when students complete college enrollment but do not end up attending in the fall.

The key insights are below: