In Tarrant County, less than 40% of adults have an associate’s degree or higher.
But by 2036, more than 70% of jobs in Texas will require a postsecondary credential.
The Tarrant To & Through Partnership (T3) is addressing this gap by giving more students the tools to plan for their future. In a conversation with JPMorgan Chase North Texas Market Leader Philip Wigginton, T3 Partnership Executive Director Natalie Williams discusses the importance of student career readiness and the impact of T3’s first four-year graduates. emphasized.
Philip Wigginton: Why was the Talent To and Through (T3) partnership established and why is this initiative so important?
Natalie Williams: T3 Partnership was created to close the education gap in Tarrant County. Our mission is to help more students not only access higher education, but complete it. We offer scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities, and one-on-one college and career advice to help students advance their educational journeys. Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for career success and contribute to a thriving local economy.
Philip Wigginton: This year marks a significant milestone for T3 as we graduate our first four-year class. What does achieving this milestone mean for T3, our students, and the local community?
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Natalie Williams: T3’s first four-year graduates are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and partners. This milestone clearly shows that we can repeat and build on our success in the coming years. This proves that our strategy is working and that we are on the right path to significantly improving educational outcomes for our communities.
Phillip Wiginton: One of those new strategies is T3 Pathways to Careers. Can you tell us more about the platform and its advancements?
Natalie Williams: The T3 Pathways to Careers (P2C) platform is designed to demystify the college and career planning process. This provides students with a clear understanding of the different qualifications and career options and the steps required to achieve them. This helps students explore different career paths and understand future earning potential, allowing them to be better informed when pursuing industry-based qualifications, degrees, and certifications. .
The platform is also bilingual, which is very important to attract Spanish-speaking families. With the launch of this platform, we expect to reach approximately 40,000 students and families annually. This not only helps students make informed decisions, but also enables parents to support their children’s career aspirations.
Philip Wigginton: Looking ahead to the rest of this year, what are the biggest and most exciting opportunities on your horizon?
Natalie Williams: My hope is that every student in Tarrant County has the opportunity to pursue their dreams without barriers. I want more students to not only enroll in higher education programs, but to complete them and enter the workforce with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
By 2036, we will close the gap between the 39% of adults with an associate’s degree or higher and the 71% of jobs in Texas that require a secondary education or higher. That’s what I’m aiming for. We continue to provide strong support and resources to help students achieve their next goals. We will maximize its potential and contribute to the prosperity of the local economy.
Natalie Williams: Turning the tables, JPMorgan Chase has been a strong advocate of our efforts in Tarrant County. Why is it important for banks to invest in education initiatives like T3?
Philip Wigginton: Over the past four years, JPMorgan Chase has proudly invested $3.75 million into T3’s business. We believe that investing in education is investing in the future. By supporting organizations like T3, we are helping build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can meet the demands of tomorrow’s economy.
Education is a key driver of economic mobility, and providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed not only supports individuals, but also strengthens communities.
Natalie Williams: The investment from JPMorgan Chase allows us to expand our reach and provide more comprehensive support to our students. For example, college application submissions from Tarrant County students have nearly doubled, and more than 4,000 T3 Scholars have been admitted to one of eight affiliated universities.
Philip Wigginton: What can people do if they want to support T3’s work?
Natalie Williams: Companies can post entry-level jobs on P2C platforms or sponsor career clusters. The industry presence on the platform makes qualification pathways a tangible reality for students by connecting their academic pursuits with job opportunities. Individual donors can contribute to the $1 Scholarship Program to provide students with the resources they need to succeed in college. Community members are invited to join the Impact Network and help build a strong layer of support to strengthen the education-to-workforce ecosystem.
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