“Using dual credit pathways, we help high school students reduce degree costs, shorten time to graduation, and prepare for their futures."
Representatives from The University of Texas Permian Basin recently joined education leaders from across Texas at the latest Gates Foundation Collaborative meeting to discuss innovative strategies for expanding dual credit opportunities and improving student success pathways.
Teresa Simpson and Idajean Curiel attended the event alongside leadership from Permian Basin Innovation Zone, commonly known as PBIZ, one of UTPB’s newest dual credit partners. During the meeting, UTPB joined regional education partners in discussions focused on strengthening dual credit pathways and improving access to higher education opportunities for students across West Texas.
The collaborative effort brings together organizations including the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Association of Community Colleges, PBIZ, UTPB, Odessa College, and regional independent school districts to explore ways to maximize opportunities for dual credit students.
Under the leadership of Shannon Torres and Jordan Clark, PBIZ has been instrumental in helping establish pathways that connect dual credit coursework to both two-year and four-year degree programs. These initiatives are particularly focused on supporting smaller, rural, and underserved school districts throughout West Texas.
“When EPPB, PBIZ, BBRISE, UTPB, Odessa College, and Sul Ross come together, we create something bigger than any one organization could do alone, seamless pathways that connect high school to real opportunity,” Torres said. “Through this collective effort, students in our region can confidently pursue a four-year degree, start at a two-year institution, or step directly into the workforce, knowing they are supported every step of the way.”
UTPB and Odessa College have worked closely with PBIZ to expand educational access and create clearer pathways for students pursuing higher education.
“At UTPB, our mission is clear: make higher education accessible and affordable,” Dr. Becky Spurlock, UTPB's Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said. “Using dual credit pathways, we help high school students reduce degree costs, shorten time to graduation, and prepare for their futures. We’re appreciative of partners like PBIZ who share a common goal of educating the next generation.”
In addition to working with rural districts, PBIZ has also partnered with UTPB in conversations with Ector County Independent School District and Midland Independent School District to better serve students seeking direct pathways from dual credit programs into four-year degree opportunities.
Together, these partnerships are helping open doors for students across the Permian Basin by expanding access to higher education, creating stronger academic pathways, and building new possibilities for future success.
Teresa Simpson and Idajean Curiel attended the event alongside leadership from Permian Basin Innovation Zone, commonly known as PBIZ, one of UTPB’s newest dual credit partners. During the meeting, UTPB joined regional education partners in discussions focused on strengthening dual credit pathways and improving access to higher education opportunities for students across West Texas. The collaborative effort brings together organizations including the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Texas Association of Community Colleges, PBIZ, UTPB, Odessa College, and regional independent school districts to explore ways to maximize opportunities for dual credit students.
Under the leadership of Shannon Torres and Jordan Clark, PBIZ has been instrumental in helping establish pathways that connect dual credit coursework to both two-year and four-year degree programs. These initiatives are particularly focused on supporting smaller, rural, and underserved school districts throughout West Texas.
“When EPPB, PBIZ, BBRISE, UTPB, Odessa College, and Sul Ross come together, we create something bigger than any one organization could do alone, seamless pathways that connect high school to real opportunity,” Torres said. “Through this collective effort, students in our region can confidently pursue a four-year degree, start at a two-year institution, or step directly into the workforce, knowing they are supported every step of the way.” UTPB and Odessa College have worked closely with PBIZ to expand educational access and create clearer pathways for students pursuing higher education.
“At UTPB, our mission is clear: make higher education accessible and affordable,” Dr. Becky Spurlock, UTPB's Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said. “Using dual credit pathways, we help high school students reduce degree costs, shorten time to graduation, and prepare for their futures. We’re appreciative of partners like PBIZ who share a common goal of educating the next generation.”
In addition to working with rural districts, PBIZ has also partnered with UTPB in conversations with Ector County Independent School District and Midland Independent School District to better serve students seeking direct pathways from dual credit programs into four-year degree opportunities.
Together, these partnerships are helping open doors for students across the Permian Basin by expanding access to higher education, creating stronger academic pathways, and building new possibilities for future success.
