The University of Texas Permian Basin has been awarded a $2 million competitive federal grant to expand workforce-focused credential programs that help students quickly enter high-demand careers.
The funding, awarded through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) within the U.S. Department of Education, will support Project BCBC: Building Credit-Bearing Short-Term Credentialing Programs. As the Permian Basin continues to grow and industries demand more skilled workers, expanding accessible education pathways has become increasingly important.
Project BCBC is designed to expand access to high-quality, credit-bearing, short-term credential programs aligned with Workforce Pell eligibility standards. The initiative will focus on:
- Developing new short-term, credit-bearing programs
- Expanding existing programs to meet high-quality credential standards
- Increasing enrollment and completion rates in credential pathways
- Strengthening university-employer partnerships to enhance workforce readiness and job placement
The Permian Basin remains one of the nation’s most economically dynamic regions. With significant population and industry growth projected through 2030 and demand rising for thousands of additional skilled workers, institutions like UTPB play a critical role in preparing the regional workforce.
“This $2 million federal investment affirms UTPB’s role as a catalyst for regional prosperity,” said Dr. Sandra Woodley, UTPB President. “Project BCBC strengthens our commitment to expanding access, advancing workforce mobility, and ensuring that Permian Basin residents have clear, affordable pathways into high-demand careers. We are proud to partner with employers and community stakeholders to build a stronger, more resilient West Texas.”
Through Project BCBC, UTPB will create affordable, accelerated pathways into high-wage careers across industries including energy, healthcare, education, finance, and technology. Programs will incorporate structured work-based learning, stackable credentials, and clear pathways for students to continue into degree programs.
Faculty and academic departments will also receive support for employer-aligned curriculum design, interdisciplinary collaboration, and modernized instructional delivery models.
“Project BCBC represents a strategic evolution of our academic mission,” said Dr. Rajalingam Dakshinamurty, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By expanding credit-bearing, short-term credential programs that align with Workforce Pell standards, we are creating flexible, stackable pathways that meet both student needs and employer demand. This initiative strengthens institutional capacity, deepens industry collaboration, and positions UTPB as a leading workforce innovation hub for the Permian Basin.”
As the initiative launches, Project BCBC will expand educational opportunities for students while strengthening partnerships between UTPB and regional employers. The program is expected to play a key role in meeting workforce demand while creating new pathways to economic mobility for residents across West Texas.
The $2 million award is funded at 100 percent of the total project cost and will support Project BCBC activities from January 1, 2026, through January 1, 2030.
