Project IDEA

The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) has been awarded a grant from the Department of Education through the Developing Hispanic Serving Institutions program. This DHSI grant, worth $ 2.9 Million, will be utilized to help increase the enrollment, retention rate, graduation rate, and career placement rate of Hispanic or students who qualify for financial aid (Pell-eligible students). The DHSI grant, Project IDEA, started on October 1, 2023, and ends on September 30, 2028. It offers many avenues to assist students in their attainment of baccalaureate degrees in the Permian Basin.

Opportunities For Students And Faculty 

• Paid internship opportunities: students have the opportunity to participate in paid part-time internships with the support of Career Services. 
• Summer bridge experiences: High school students will be invited to campus to participate in our summer camps and summer bridge experiences.
• Faculty development program: Faculty will have the opportunity to be trained through ESCALA Educational Services and visiting lecturers to increase their awareness and success in the classroom.
• Research Program for Undergraduates (RPU): aims to increase undergraduate research activities and enhance students’ skills. This includes financial support for faculty mentors, students, and project supplies.
• Student Success Center: The grant supports the activities of the UTPB Students Success Center to impart supplemental instruction, tutoring, mentoring, and advising to students.

For questions regarding any of these opportunities please contact dhsi@utpb.edu 

Project Personnel

table of headshot for the department

Elida Escarcega, MPA Project Director	Priscilla Badillo Admin. Assistant
Dr. Omar Beg Activity Director	Mario Kiran Activity Director

*The contents of this webpage were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.