Abigail Velez will soon become one of the nearly 83,000 students who have graduated from El Paso Community College (EPCC) prepared to transfer to universities or enter the workforce.  Velez is a communication major who dreams of being a sports broadcaster and will continue her education at the University of Texas at El Paso once she graduates.  She says she is ready for this transition because of the preparation she received at EPCC.

EPCC has a long history of graduating students like Velez and is nationally recognized for student success.  For 15 consecutive years, EPCC has held the distinction of being the top school in the nation for awarding degrees to Hispanic students.  EPCC President Dr. William Serrata says he is proud of that distinction and the work that faculty and staff do to facilitate student success.  “This ranking is testament to EPCC’s commitment to advancing Hispanic student achievement and ultimately serving the country by helping this fastest growing population, also underrepresented in higher education, receive the degrees and certificates needed to be successful in our community, our state, and in this nation,” Serrata said.

From adopting elementary schools to receiving accolades for its student achievement initiatives, EPCC provides students a clear path to success.  These comprehensive efforts are not only building a college-going culture, but also ensuring that students finish with a degree. “The data consistently shows that the more you learn, the more you earn,” Serrata said.  “Students can’t reap the benefits of a college degree unless they finish, which is why EPCC is laser-focused on student success and graduation.”

Under Serrata’s leadership, the college has not only seen more Hispanic students enroll in college, but also has increased the number of Hispanic students completing their degrees, many of whom are the first in their family to graduate from college.  Gabriel Martinez is one of those students.  He will be the first in his family to complete his degree.  He is a single father of two sons who returned to school after being laid off and needed to find a new career.  “Going back to school to study automotive technology is a second chance for me and will allow me to get a job that pays enough to support my family,” Martinez said.

With globalized economies and emerging technologies changing both the education and employment landscape, community colleges, like EPCC are providing a critical access point to workforce training and higher education.  Janet Moncayo took her first classes at EPCC as a dual credit student and now even works on campus.  Her career aspiration is to become a clinical laboratory scientist.  “I chose EPCC because it is affordable, and it provides a quality education with instructors that care about their students and they provide great resources to help us on the path of success.”

Another student, Hector Castro, plans to transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.   He credits EPCC with helping him by providing academic and other opportunities to advance his education and develop diverse skills.  “EPCC really helped me because they care about the student and encouraged me to continue my education and finish,” Castro said. “My advice to future students is to take advantage of every opportunity and the resources the college has to offer.”

Velez encourages students to do the same.  She speaks with enthusiasm about her experience at EPCC knowing it has helped prepare her for university work and her future career as a sportscaster.   She describes how tutors and professors went the extra mile to help her prepare academically while hard work with her peers helped her feel a sense of belonging.  She was challenged to work hard and reach her goals. “Being enrolled at a community college has taught, and continues to teach me, the skills I need in life to be victorious, the importance of community and growth,” Velez said, “Being a student at El Paso Community College not only allows me to dream, but it equipped me with the tools necessary to achieve and excel.” •