Each spring, as high school seniors across North Texas don their caps and gowns, they carry with them not only dreams for the future, but also the hopes of an entire community. Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, yet for many students, it marks the beginning of a challenging transition into college or the workforce—one filled with uncertainty around rising education costs, evolving job demands and ongoing economic volatility. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe that preparing students for success after high school isn’t just important for the individual—it’s critical for the health, stability and prosperity of our entire region. College and career readiness lies at the intersection of education, income and health—the three building blocks of opportunity that shape both personal outcomes and community wellbeing. 

Read on to learn more about the importance of college and career readiness, our programs that support early success for young North Texans, and how you can get involved.  

What Is College and Career Readiness? 

College and career readiness means that students graduate from high school equipped with the skills, knowledge and real-world experiences needed to thrive in higher education or a living-wage career. It’s not a destination—it’s a journey that starts in early childhood and continues through every grade level. 

That journey requires more than just classroom instruction. It takes a network of support—parents, educators, mentors and community members—all working together to provide the tools, resources and opportunities students need to reach their full potential. 

“It takes a village to prepare students for life after high school—and that means going beyond academics,” said Greg Mangum, vice president of economic mobility at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Our programs and partnerships take a holistic approach to readiness. We help students build the knowledge and skills to succeed, while also connecting them with mentors, career exposure and support. When young people are equipped to thrive in college or the workplace, it strengthens families, communities and the future of North Texas.” 

Why It Matters—For All of Us 

The benefits of college and career readiness ripple far beyond the student. When young people are set up for long-term success, it leads to: 

• Economic strength: A well-prepared workforce attracts investment, drives innovation and powers local businesses. 

• Public health improvements: Education is strongly linked to health outcomes, and financially secure individuals are more likely to access healthcare and live healthier lives. 

• Stronger neighborhoods: Families supported by living wages are more likely to remain stably housed, invest in their communities and contribute to local civic life. 

“In North Texas, the future of our workforce and the health of our economy depend on students who are ready to step into opportunity,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “Education, income and health are not isolated issues—they’re deeply connected. When we support one, we uplift all three.” 

The Reality in North Texas 

Despite the high stakes, only about 30% of North Texas students graduate fully prepared for college or a career. This gap in readiness limits access to higher education, reduces earning potential and strains our local talent pipeline, which, over time, can negatively impact our workforce and economy. 

The challenge often begins early: Students who aren’t reading proficiently by third grade and who live in poverty are 13 times less likely to graduate on time than their peers. And today, nearly three-quarters of young adults in our region don’t earn a living wage, putting pressure on public services and limiting economic mobility for families. 

Meanwhile, 85% of good-paying jobs in North Texas require education beyond high school, yet too few students are reaching that level of preparedness. 

Building a Future-Ready North Texas 

To ensure that every student has a fair shot at success—and to secure the long-term health of our region—we must continue investing in early learning, access to digital tools, college savings and workforce exposure. 

This work is central to our Aspire United 2030 goals, which include increasing by 20% the number of young adults in North Texas who earn a living wage. Reaching that milestone could generate nearly $800 million in new wages every year—a transformational shift for individuals and our economy. 

But we know students don’t chart these paths alone. They need early exposure, practical support and meaningful connections to career opportunities that can lead to long-term stability and growth. 

United Way Initiatives That Drive Readiness 

Here are a few of the programs we lead or support to equip students for success: 

• Digital Bridges, with support from AT&T: Provides families in Southern Dallas with free laptops, tech training and ongoing support—giving students the tools to succeed in today’s digital learning and work environments. 

• Dollars for College: Makes it easy for low- and moderate-income families to start and grow college savings accounts—proven to significantly increase a student’s odds of enrolling in and completing higher education. 

• Once Upon a Month™: This partnership with the Ferst Foundation and Boone Family Foundation delivers free, age-appropriate books to young children monthly, supporting early literacy and lifelong learning. (It’s never too early to prepare a child for college or a career; in fact, researchers have found that children reading on grade level by the end of third grade are five times more likely to be college or career ready than their peers who aren’t reading proficiently.) 

• Start Smart Texas: A free texting program for parents of young children, offering tips and tools to support learning at home and prepare kids for school success from the very beginning. 

Get Involved: Join the Movement for Student Success 

Creating a North Texas where every student can succeed requires all of us. Whether you’re a parent, mentor, employer or community-minded neighbor, you have a role to play in shaping a brighter future for our youth—and our community. 

We invite all of North Texas to work together to support college and career readiness, both during graduation season and throughout the year.  

• Volunteer: Throughout our year-long Centennial anniversary, we’re offering a range of volunteer opportunities that directly encourage college and career readiness, including Stock the School, slated for August 1. Fill out our volunteer interest form here.  

• Invest in lasting change: Make a donation to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to support initiatives that encourage student success at every grade level, prepare high schoolers for life after graduation and expose young workers to career opportunities. For example, a $50 contribution to Dollars for College seed one college savings account for a local student, opening the door to college success, better job opportunities and greater economic mobility. Click here to make your donation now. 

When we invest in students, we invest in a stronger, more equitable region. Because when young people are ready to thrive, North Texas thrives, too.