HISPANICS IN TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE “CLOSING THE GAPS” INITIATIVE

Abstract

Demographic changes associated with growth of the Hispanic and black population in the U.S. state of Texas have led politicians and policymakers to recognize that academic success in their ethnic and racial minority populations is a key to future statewide economic success. These demographic transitions require proactive state intervention to assure the earning power and intellectual prowess of the next generation. This study assesses the degree to which the Texas “Closing the Gaps” initiative has addressed the disparities in higher education among the state’s diverse populations.