This qualitative phenomenological research study used purposeful homogeneous sampling community college presidents to explore their perceptions regarding the passing of Texas House Bill 5, and its impact on the future of higher education. Creswell's (2012) six step method for analyzing phenomenological studies was used to analyze the interviews. The results of the study found that the future of Texas community colleges looks strong, due to the legislation's support of workforce programs and partnerships between K-12 and higher education. However, administrators provided "lack of funding" as a factor that may deter the success of the legislation's implementation. This study provides secondary and higher education professionals, instructors, and educational stakeholders with information regarding the adequate yearly progress (AYP) failure of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the development of the NCLB waiver system, and its influence on the creation of Texas House Bill 5. Feedback regarding this new Texas legislation, and its impact on college and workforce readiness of secondary students is discussed.
