The University of Texas Permian Basin and H-E-B have partnered to strengthen the workforce across the Permian Basin. Together, they brought the business’ Adelante Program to Midland and Odessa for the first time.
The program gives H-E-B Partners the tools and confidence they need to pursue future leadership roles, including positions in management and store operations. Many Partners have the talent and ambition to advance, but language challenges can hold them back. The Adelante Program provides support that helps participants move forward.
“The Program is intended for Partners in our store.” Ari Orozco, Regional Talent Manager for H-E-B, said. “They don’t pay anything, all they have to do is show up to classes.”
Recently, UTPB and H-E-B celebrated 18 graduates from the program’s first class in the area. H-E-B expressed appreciation for UTPB professors who dedicated four months to teaching the classes.
“We love UTPB! H-E-B has that strong partnership, and we want to continue to partner with UTPB,” Orozco said. “Thay have been very resourceful, we are so grateful for their support.”
Participants shared that they now feel more confident in conversations at work, with customers, and at home. For many, this was also their first experience on a university campus, making the achievement even more meaningful. 
“This is another way we serve the community and having those H-E-B partners come to our campus and have a fantastic learning experience really reminds everybody that education is for everyone,” Dr. Becky Spurlock, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at UTPB, said.
UTPB and H-E-B hope to continue offering the Adelante Program to support partner development and strengthen the workforce throughout the Permian Basin.
