Dedication to education supports Bastrop

Six colleges and universities are within an hour's drive of Bastrop, and nearly 60% of the Austin metro population hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. An additional 95 four-year colleges and universities with an annual enrollment of over 422,000 people are found within 200 miles of Bastrop, offering additional talent recruitment opportunities for expanding companies.

These institutions of higher learning are preparing our local workforce for tomorrow’s challenges. Recognized worldwide as premier universities, Texas A&M and the University of Texas consistently rank within the Top 50 Colleges in the United States. In addition, there are private universities known for their unique course offerings. A local community college also focuses on flexible learning and workforce training. With such a wide variety of higher learning institutions, recent high school graduates and working professionals are continuing their education and advancing their careers. As such, local businesses are benefiting. 

As part of the Austin metro region, Bastrop’s workforce is over 1.25 million strong and growing. With a substantial number of people graduating from local colleges and universities, this workforce expands every year, providing employers with talent at all levels of experience. 

Bastrop Area Colleges and Universities 

Regional programs

Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas

Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas (CAI) is a community-based not-for-profit organization that has been in continuous operation since 1965, when it began as part of this nation’s War on Poverty led by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. In 2000, CAI became the major provider of adult literacy education, GED preparation, and English as a second language education in the rural capital area. It operates 19 education programs for educationally disadvantaged adults in ten rural capital area counties, including Bastrop County.

Smithville Workforce Training Center

Smithville Workforce Training Center (SWTC) serves job seekers and employers in Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette and Lee Counties. Through partnerships with education partners, SWTC connects job seekers to industry-based credentialed courses and assists them in job placement. Empowering Bastrop’s rural workforce with the skills needed for high-demand careers ensures rural employers have a local, robust workforce from which to recruit.