Monday, May 15, 2017 - Odessa College announced a bold new initiative to increase the college-going culture in Ector County. This is especially timely and relevant, because currently only 16% of Ector County residents have a bachelor's (4-year) degree, a number far below the Texas statewide average. The College2Career initiative is an innovative new program designed to provide the infrastructure and opportunities that will enable every ECISD student to complete at least six (6) hours of college credit level courses before graduating from high school. Students from Dowling Elementary School, the Odessa College Children's Center and the Odessa Career Technical Early College High School (OCTECHS) were on hand to witness and take part in demonstrations and activities that illustrated the wide range of educational experiences available to ECISD students as part of the College2Career program. Dean of Career, Technical and Workforce Education Diane Carrasco and Associate Dean of Educational Partnerships Katie Nisbet presented the Five Commitment to the Community, which are the heart of the College2career program, and guest speaker Lorraine Perryman emphasized her belief in the importance of the program to the local community. As part of her segment of the presentation, Lorraine Perryman invited ECISD Superintendent Thomas Crowe to join her at the microphone in voicing support for the College2Career initiative. During the coming academic year (2017-2018), in support of the College2Career initiative and as part of the Five Commitments to the Community, Odessa College Faculty and staff will make one thousand (1,000) C2C presentations to ECISD schools, groups, classes and special events.
