Waco hopes growing business will help attract and retain college graduates.

One state study shows that Waco needs more college graduates.

With Baylor University in the area, there's an abundance of college students working toward their diplomas, but that doesn't mean they plan to stay once they earn that piece of paper.

"Most people seem to want to get out of Waco when they graduate," Scott Connell, Greater Waco Chamber, said.

	Job Opportunities
For job information in the state visit the Texas Workforce Commission's Web site.

Waco trails behind the state and national numbers when it comes to its college graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher. Students see Waco as just a small college town and not a place to work.

"We recognized that maybe we were missing an opportunity where some students would finish and maybe go some place else to do their bachelor's degree and master's degrees," Connell said.

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	Waco Workforce News 8's Bonnie Gonzalez tells us why there are not enough college graduates in the Waco workforce.

But, with business expanding in the area, efforts are being made to attract young graduates to the area.

"I think the challenges we're going to be looking at going forward is not necessarily having a lot of jobs or a lot of people, but having the skills necessary for the jobs tomorrow," Connell said.

David Davis, with Workforce Solutions, said the skills include educational, medical, social services and government.

So as future graduates look ahead, Waco officials want them to plant their roots in the Central Texas city to help it soar to its potential.