Written by Keri Moe

When Ingrid Peart walked across the stage to receive her Associate’s Degree from El Paso Community College (EPCC), she was 30 years old, a mother and the first in her family to graduate from college. Her husband, James, and three children were there, cheering her on. 

Like many EPCC students, Peart worked full time, experienced family tragedy and hardship due to the pandemic, yet kept up with her studies through adversity. She kept pushing because she wanted to be an example to her children and to motivate others to pursue a college path. She knew that college would lead to a better life for her family and was necessary to achieve her professional goals. “I believe in starting when you're ready. My journey hasn't been easy with so much loss in the past couple of years, being a mother of three, a wife and an employee,” Peart said. “But I have gotten so much out of being an EPCC student. I hope that my story will be one to inspire future students to continue reaching for their dreams.”

Peart is not alone. Most students choosing EPCC do so because they recognize the incredible value of community colleges. Community colleges increase access to college for first-generation students, traditional students, adult learners, and those seeking to upskill or reskill in their current careers. Community colleges fill a vital role in offering access to high-quality education and affordable academic opportunities. 

Located in West Texas along the U.S./Mexico border, EPCC has five campuses and offers more than 155 programs of study where students engage with exceptional professors in dynamic learning environments. Since its creation in 1969, more than 95,000 degrees and certificates have been awarded and this number has increased by nearly 19 percent in recent years. “EPCC prepares students to achieve their current academic goals, continue on to further education and be competitive in regional and global job markets,” Brian Haggerty, Chair of EPCC Board of Trustees, said. This is critical for the nearly 25,000 students that EPCC serves annually, where the majority are Hispanic and  a large proportion of the student population is low-income, first-generation and underrepresented youth and adult learners. 

Mariana Prieto Caballero, who completed her associate degree in Accounting, Business and Economics, says her experience at EPCC gave her the confidence and ability to achieve any dream she wants to accomplish. “I sincerely believe that EPCC has changed my life,” Caballero said. “I feel like a much more prepared person, not only in the academic field but also in general. I am very grateful to my professors, advisors, classmates and the entire EPCC community.”

Another graduate, Daniel Carrera, who furthered his education by earning both his bachelor’s and master’s in Engineering, credits EPCC with providing him a solid foundation to pursue his academic goals. “EPCC really was the best place to start for me,” Carrera said. “I enjoyed my time at EPCC while getting a top-notch education, and meeting amazing people; I was saving money and I learned many valuable skills – both technical and personal – that I still apply today.”

These graduates are examples of how EPCC builds the region’s workforce and supports a stronger economy. With nationally-recognized partnerships between school districts, community colleges, 4-year universities and business and industry, the college creates streamlined pathways for students to earn in-demand credentials, and fills critical workforce gaps. As a result of leveraging partnerships and promising practices, students enter the workforce efficiently trained, career ready and earn a living wage quicker.

Creating a college-going culture and expanding pathways to higher education are  critical to improved student lives and a thriving community. “With a laser focus on student success, El Paso Community College is proud to partner with education, philanthropic, and industry leaders to create a meaningful college experience for students that prepare them for in-demand careers,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President, said. “Together, we are amplifying education for a strong workforce and bolstering our region’s economy.” •

About the Author

Keri Moe, Ed.D. is an advocate for higher education, community colleges and is a proud educator in the border region.