In Texas, less than half the students--45 percent-- go on to college within a year of graduating high school. The national average graduation is 67 percent. Chancellor Jesus “Jess” Carreon of the Dallas County Community College District will discuss programs to boost college enrollment at the Chamber’s Focus on Education Breakfast June 2.

The state’s College for Texans campaign aims to increase college enrollment by 600,000 by 2015, with 52 percent of the growth in community colleges. High school graduates who don’t continue their education could represent $6 billion in lost income in Texas in the next 10 years.

Dallas County Community College District’s new Rising Star program is working to increase financial aid for students at the district’s seven community college campuses and the Bill J. Priest Institute for Economic Development. The program offers up to $4,000 during a two-year term for tuition, books and other services.

To be eligible, students must meet eligibility requirements for financial assistance, and graduate in the top 40 percent of their class or have a “B” average at any Dallas County public high school or Dallas Can Academy.