StanFutures
The goal of StanFUTURES is to ensure all Stanislaus County high school graduates are ready for post-secondary education and are able to successfully complete their degree or certificate program.
Priority Focus
StanFUTURES has identified a need to focus on disparities in high school completion and college enrollment through an extensive review of data and collection of insights from interviews with the community. .
Why this Matters
A vibrant economy is key to building a healthy community and a better quality of life for all residents. The higher the education level of a region’s residents, the greater the impact on the regional economy. However, by 2025, as baby boomers retire, 2.3 million California jobs will go unfilled due to a lack of college degree holders, including many teachers, nurses, doctors, and public administrators. The failure to meet the needs of the workforce could seriously limit our economic growth and future.
Percent of High School Graduates Enrolled in College
SOURCE: National Student Clearinghouse Aggregate Report 08-21-2024
Highschool Graduating Class of 2023 College Enrollment
SOURCE: National Student Clearinghouse Demographic Report 08-21-2024; Economic Status not reported on 7 students.
Percent of Students Completing College Degree in Six Years
SOURCE: National Student Clearinghouse Aggregate Report 8-21-2024
* Percentages are rounded
Class of 2018 High School Graduates with College Degree in Six Years
SOURCE: National Student Clearinghouse Demographic Report 8-21-2024. Economic Status not reported on 4,054 students.
Key Insights and Challenges
Only 18.2% of Stanislaus County students hold a four-year degree or higher compared to 35.9% in California. A review of disaggregated Stanislaus County data in 2022 revealed a growing disparity in college enrollment and completion.
We conducted over 100 interviews with system leaders, students, and parents to gain a more accurate understanding of the real needs, values, and aspirations of our target population. The research has revealed themes around mental health, the need for early exposure to careers and the impact of role models inside and outside of the classroom.
To address these themes, we drafted strategies to improve postsecondary success. We will work with students and parents to design and test these strategies through an iterative process.
“The StanFUTURES action Team creates a safe space where we can look at data together with curiosity without getting caught in the defensiveness about who’s to blame or not to blame. I grew up here in the Central Valley. I am a proud alumna of both MJC and Stanislaus State, and my children now go to public school in the region. I’m deeply invested in this initiative because I know it will result in positive outcomes for our kids and strengthen our community.”
— ERIN LITTLEPAGE