El Paso Community College finished first in both enrollment and degrees granted to Hispanic students attending community colleges. Here are some reasons why.
El Paso Community College finished first in both enrollment and degrees granted to Hispanic students attending community colleges. Here are some reasons why:
El Paso Community College (EPCC) leads, educates and serves. As a progressive educational leader, EPCC is committed to creating access to high quality education and the support services necessary to increase the number of college graduates.
“EPCC is proud to be ranked once again by Hispanic Outlook as #1 in granting Associate Degrees to Hispanic students,” Dr. William Serrata, President said. “Community Colleges, like EPCC, are improving access to education which is resulting in more students successfully completing their degrees.”
Located in West Texas along the border of Mexico and New Mexico, EPCC serves more than 35,000 students in academic, workforce training and continuing education programs where students engage with exceptional professors, utilize cutting-edge technology and experience dynamic learning options. With five campuses, 138 programs of study and more than 350 continuing education programs, EPCC advances opportunities for students.
The college fills a vital role, one that offers access to both high quality and affordable academic opportunities, which ultimately impacts economy by educating a skilled workforce,” Art Fierro, Chair of EPCC’s Board of Trustees said. “With its unwavering focus on success for all students, EPCC prepares individuals to achieve their current academic goals, meet tomorrow’s challenges and be competitive in local and global job markets.”
Recognized for its aims to elevate the prospects of first-generation and economically disadvantaged students, in 2015, EPCC was named as one of the Top 10 Community Colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute for its innovative programs and student support services. College faculty and staff are passionate about engaging in their work with students and as a result, students stay in school and completion is on the rise. “Because of the support and possibilities I found at EPCC, I was able to graduate with an Associate’s Degree, transfer to the University of Texas at El Paso and now am working in my career field,” EPCC graduate Alejandra Martinez said.
EPCC continues to build community partnerships with local K-12 School Districts as evidenced by nine Early-College High Schools and a growing Dual Credit program that provides educational opportunities to high school students throughout El Paso County. In addition, EPCC partners with local school districts, community organizations and other educational entities through the El Paso Area Collaborative for College Readiness consortium in order to increase student participation in higher education. Because of these and numerous other partnerships more students are becoming college-ready, know that a degree is in reach and are completing their degrees.
Besides being consistently recognized for the number of Associate Degrees it awards to Hispanics, EPCC has repeatedly been recognized with the Military Friendly Schools® distinction for its work to enhance the success of America’s military service members, veterans and their families. The college has also been awarded the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award by INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine. Additionally, EPCC is an Achieving the Dream Leader College; was previously awarded the Leah Meyer Austin Institutional Student Success Leadership Award for outstanding institutional achievement in equity and has been recognized by Excelencia in Education with the “Examples of Excelencia” Award for the Early College High School Program.
The college says its steadfast commitment to students and their success will continue. “In recent years EPCC has been focusing on engaging students, growing community partnerships and fostering a culture of excellence with measurable success,” Serrata said. “By creating a college-going culture and innovative student success initiatives, EPCC is opening the pathway to higher education and a better prepared workforce in our region and nation.”
Visit www.EPCC.edu to learn more about EPCC.
