Based on the most recent data available, the annual initiative report looks at key indicators in our community’s health, education, and financial security in comparison to the initiative goals. This helps us gauge how we are doing and serves as a springboard for future collaboration.
EDUCATION More economically-disadvantaged high school students are continuing their education. The percent of economically-disadvantaged students who complete a workforce certificate or degree is up almost two full percentage points in the past year to 14.3 percent. Through Project Link, 122 Waco ISD and La Vega ISD students enrolled in college and through the High School Summer Internship Program over 70 high school students completed internships with dozens of employer partners.
OBESITY The McLennan County obesity rate has grown. The rate is up by two percentage points in the past year to 31 percent. The initiative’s target is 28.5 percent. However, we continue in the long work of moving the needle on health indicators like obesity through programs like the McLennan County Community Health Worker Initiative, which started in 2018, and the Family Health Center’s Wellness Center.
NET WORTH More Wacoans are finding their net worth above $15,000. 8 percent of Waco households have a net worth above $15,000. That’s above our initial goal of 50 percent. Bank On Waco, one of our financial security programs, is a coalition of banks that provided outreach about low-cost bank accounts.
Click below for the full report.