As the school semester gets under way for local students, many high school seniors are beginning to make education and career decisions that will affect their future. These students have an unprecedented number of post-graduation options ranging from a multitude of higher education opportunities, technical school or training, military service and others.

The path that each student chooses should be based on the unique goals and benchmarks each student has set for their career and life. However, many times those goals are forced to take a back seat for financial reasons. Especially as the effects of the recent economic downturn begin to be understood, many families have had to make difficult financial choices about their future as well as their children’s education. Many times students and families are not aware of the many financial aid opportunities that are available which can sometimes be the difference between going to college and going directly into the workforce.

To help inform and prepare students and seniors about their financial options, the Austin Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its 20,010 by 2010 Initiative which aims to increase the enrollment of local students in higher education institutions. This initiative would increase the number of local students from 67,000 students to over 87,000 in 2010.

To this end, the Austin Chamber has teamed up with local school districts and businesses to host Financial Aid Saturdays at schools throughout Williamson and Travis counties. These workshops will provide free assistance to families to complete necessary forms and applications such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as the ApplyTexas application for acceptance to Texas colleges and universities. These forums will also work with students to give them a unique insight into many local career fields and ensure that they are on a college readiness track.

These workshops will take place at several Williamson County high schools including: Westwood, McNeil, Stony Point, Hutto, Round Rock, Cedar Park and Leander. For more information on dates and times for these upcoming Financial Aid Saturdays, please contact the Austin Chamber or visit their website on the 20,010 by 2010 Initiative at collegereadyaustin.com.

Ensuring our region, state and nation remains at the cutting edge of science, technology, engineering and math is vitally dependent upon our continued growth in higher education programs for our students. However, great programs and classes are only part of the solution as we must also make certain to open the doors for our students to take advantage of these opportunities and further their education.

As the former President of the Round Rock ISD School Board, I know firsthand the importance of having our schools team up with families and the business community to provide a quality learning environment for our students. This experience will not only help to prepare them for life after graduation, but it directly contributes to the local economy by ensuring that we continue to have a quality skilled workforce that is locally educated and trained. Programs such as the 20,010 by 2010 Initiative combines the vision and leadership that our students, our families and our education system need to succeed.