Amarillo College awarded participation in $16 million Pathways grant

Based on outstanding accomplishments and dedication to student success, Amarillo College has been selected to participate in Talent Strong Texas Pathways.

The $16 million 5-year statewide economic mobility grant administered by the Texas Success Center is designed to increase the number of credentialed Texans prepared for high-demand careers that offer a living wage.

Amarillo College is an original member of what began in 2016 as the Texas Success Center’s Texas Pathway Project, and as recently as 2022, AC was recognized for its exemplary work related to implementation and scaling of the Texas Pathway strategy as a recipient of a RODEO Award.

RODEO is the Texas Success Center’s acronym for Recognition of Dedication to Educational Outcomes.

Building a Talent Strong Texas is the state’s higher education strategic plan and targets expanding the attainment of valuable postsecondary credentials.

“We are truly thrilled by this affirming continued inclusion in Pathways,” AC President Russell Lowery-Hart said. “Our selection for continued participation validates the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff who strive ceaselessly to eliminate barriers and love our students to success.

The intent of Talent Strong Texas Pathways is to increase employment opportunities and income for individuals while creating a deeper talent pool for employers.

“Texas higher education has unique responsibilities and roles to play in what comes next, to expand opportunities for all Texans and ensure our economic competitiveness on a global scale” shared Harrison Keller, commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. “Now is the time to seize the vast, Texas-sized opportunities before us to achieve impact at scale and to dedicate ourselves to building a talent strong Texas.”

The Texas Success Center, working with the state’s community colleges, is supporting the scaling of inclusive talent pathways directing students through collaboratively designed programs beginning with short-term credentials and early workplace learning. A corresponding initiative at AC is called the Earn and Learn Program that promotes work-based learning in the form of internships and apprenticeships.

“Texas is very fortunate to have a set of funding partners willing to invest in the important work of the community colleges. We are very impressed by the college commitment to design and implement talent pathways” said Dr. Cynthia Ferrell, vice president of the Texas Success Center. “We are excited to work with Amarillo College as they continue to partner with local business and education leaders to provide valuable workforce and education opportunities.”

For more information regarding Talent Strong Texas Pathways, please visit tacc.org/tsc.