Lumina Foundation Recognizes Austin as Creative and Entrepreneurial Engine

Austin, Texas (September 25, 2017) - Lumina Foundation today recognized Austin as one of only 17 communities across the country to be designated as a National Talent Hub. As part of this initiative, the city was awarded a $350,000 grant to help low-income students and under-represented groups, with some college and no degree, continue enrollment and avoid further gaps in completing their education.

The Greater Austin Chamber-led coalition directed efforts to meet rigorous standards and attract, retain, and cultivate talent to earn this funding and designation. As part of their plan, the coalition aims to target re-enrollment and completion support to nearly 70,000 college stop-outs. Stop-out is a term used when a student temporarily withdraws from school or delays the pursuit of one's education. The plan aligns with the Chamber’s DTC70 partnership with school districts to improve postsecondary attainment and further complement efforts under the Austin Metro Area Master Community Workforce Plan to up-skill 30,000 unemployed and underemployed adults through 2021.

“For our city to meet the growing demand for an educated workforce, it’s important to bolster the community-based efforts that are tightly focused on increasing the number of people in Austin with education and training beyond high school,” commented Gilbert Zavala, Chamber Vice President of Education and Talent Development.

“ACC is committed to meeting our region's workforce needs, especially in the high-demand fields of healthcare and IT. This grant will no doubt assist our entire region as we collaborate on a plan to help students earn the academic credentials that will lead to good jobs,” observes Dr. Richard Rhodes, President and CEO Austin Community College District.

In making the announcement, President and CEO of Lumina Foundation Jamie Merisotis added: “These communities are the creative and entrepreneurial engines that power our nation. For our country to meet growing demand for an educated workforce, we must bolster community-based efforts that are tightly focused on increasing the numbers of people in cities across the country with education and training beyond high school.”

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About the Greater Austin Chamber

The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin Region works. We serve as the voice of business for 2,800 organizations representing a combined workforce of about 330,000 employees throughout Central Texas. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous economy and effective advocacy for members. For more information, please visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:

Luke Sheffield, Public Relations Manager
Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5637
lsheffield@austinchamber.com