TYLER (KYTX) - The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board kicks off a campaign to help college drop outs get back on track to get their degrees.
Every day at work CeJay Jones tries to help people find jobs.
She says a college degree can mean everything.
"The job market is so different than it was years ago. There's less trade markets here, there's more markets where you have to get your degree and that foundation of knowing what you're doing."
In 2009 the U.S. Census Bureau reported more than 3 million Texans over 25 years old have some college credit, but no degree.
Advisors with the Grad TX program get people back on track, by helping them pick out courses to finish getting their degrees, and coordinating schedules to fit in their hectic lives.
A lack of degrees here has companies like manpower reaching out past east Texas.
Jones says, "Its hard when we have those customers and we don't have the candidates. We're pulling from the Dallas area and local markets instead of using our East Texas area."
A common reason people drop out is so they can support their family.
Jones says it's her daughter that has inspired her to finish getting her Bachelor's degree.
"I want to be able to support my child and let her know that education is very important."
She wants others to know that achieving that goal is possible.
"When we all start working together, and they see others do it, then I think it's going to be a thing that's going to catch on, and its going to be great for Tyler."
The Grad TX program is starting at 8 universities across the state.
The closest one to us is the University of North Texas, but if it's successful, it could be expanded to more institutions, like the ones here in Tyler.
