Area Districts Partner with AC for Tuition-Free College Access
Canyon ISD and Bushland ISD are strengthening their long-standing partnerships with Amarillo College through Badger Bound—an initiative that provides students who complete 15 hours of dual credit with up to 45 additional hours of tuition-free college credit after high school. The program, which launches with the Class of 2026, is already creating excitement among students, families, and educators who see it as a game-changing opportunity.
District counselors and administrators report that students are eager to take advantage of the program and are asking how to get started. AC has built a streamlined process to identify eligible students automatically.
“Our team will run a data check at the end of every semester,” said Becky Burton, AC’s associate vice president of academic learning and services. “Any student who has reached 15 dual credit hours will be contacted directly through both their high school and AC email. They don’t have to apply or sign up—we reach out to them with next steps.”
That communication will include reminders about FAFSA, guidance on updating academic pathways, and instructions for taking advantage of the 45 tuition-free hours. This applies equally to students who leave high school with 15 hours or those who complete an entire associate degree before graduation.
The timing of the rollout is especially impactful. Canyon and Bushland counselors have been meeting one-on-one with students this fall, identifying seniors who already qualify and preparing to visit with juniors and younger students during spring preregistration.
“Students are excited—and their parents are too,” said Tiffany Fisk, Bushland counselor. “We’ve clarified that it starts with the Class of 2026, Seniors can take advantage of Badger Bound as soon as they meet the 15-hour mark.”
Districts have already seen strong participation. Bushland has more than 80 seniors currently completing the 15 hours or more dual credit, with many adding an extra class this spring specifically to qualify.
Administrators emphasized the broad benefits of the program—not only for students heading toward universities, but also for those pursuing technical and workforce programs at AC.
“The greatest barrier many students face when considering higher education is cost. Badger Bound removes that barrier,” said Dr. Darryl Flusche, Canyon ISD superintendent. “Once students earn their 15 dual-credit hours, they have access to 45 more hours at no cost—a pathway that leads directly to an associate degree and stronger earning potential for life.”
The promise of covered tuition is already changing how students view technical and career-training options.
“This opens doors that were never open before,” said Shawn Thrash, Bushland counselor. “A student earning 15 hours in high school can now explore programs like Fire Academy or EMT knowing the cost is covered. Some of our seniors are already planning to enroll in summer EMT programs because they know Badger Bound will pay for it.”
Beyond immediate benefits, districts believe Badger Bound will improve long-term educational attainment in the Texas Panhandle, a region historically below state averages in postsecondary achievement.
“Nearly half of students in the region go straight to the workforce after high school,” said Frank Sobey, AC vice president for Academic Affairs. “Badger Bound gives them a pathway into college-level training that’s accessible, supported, and financially realistic. We want students to see themselves succeeding in higher education.”
Both districts praised AC for being responsive to their needs—from addressing teacher shortages and exploring virtual instruction options to designing courses needed for changing graduation requirements.
“We left the first meeting with Dr. Sobey looking at each other saying, ‘This is amazing. We want this for our students,’” said Dr. Tom Giles, Bushland superintendent. “The partnership with AC has always been strong, but Badger Bound elevates it even further.”
With parent nights scheduled, communication underway, and hundreds of students already on track to qualify, both Canyon and Bushland say the energy surrounding the program is unmistakable.
“This partnership ensures that every Canyon ISD student who completes their 15 dual-credit hours has a free pathway into higher education,” Flusche said. “It levels the playing field, giving all students—regardless of circumstance—the chance to pursue an associate degree and expand their future opportunities.”