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Mission Statement

🎯 Our Mission

The University of Houston-Downtown Talent Search (TS) staff is committed to advancing the number of youths who complete high school, enroll in, persist, and attain a postsecondary degree or certificate.

Our team empowers students—providing academic support, college and career guidance, and personalized mentoring to help students realize their educational dreams and achieve long-term success.

📈 Our Impact

  • ✅ 7 out of 10 UHD TS participants enroll in college after high school graduation
  • 🎓 Over 50% of TS seniors attain a college degree or workforce certificate within six years of graduating high school
  • 👨‍🎓 More than 5 out of 10 first-generation TS students earn a bachelor's degree, opening doors to greater opportunities and higher lifetime earnings
  • 💰 Postsecondary education pays off—college graduates can earn nearly $1 million more over a lifetime compared to those with only a high school diploma

💡 Why It Matters: Education = Opportunity

A postsecondary degree is more than a milestone—it’s an investment in a lifetime of possibility. The success of our students doesn't just transform individual lives; it uplifts entire families and communities.

Return on Investment: Lifetime Earnings by Education Level
(Source: The College Payoff, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce)
Education Level Estimated Lifetime Earnings
Advanced Degree $2,671,000
Bachelor’s Degree $2,268,000
Associate Degree $1,727,000
Some College $1,547,000
High School Diploma $1,304,000