Designation unlocks funding to increase student access to college and career opportunities in high-demand fields
Alpine, Texas – May 29, 2025 – The Big Bend Rural Initiative for Success in Education (BB-RISE), a nonprofit partnership of Marfa ISD, Marathon ISD, and Alpine ISD, has officially been designated a Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This designation allows rural school districts to collaborate across district lines to develop and implement shared postsecondary pathways for students in the Big Bend region.
Launching in the 2025–26 school year, BB-RISE will expand access to high-quality college and career training by partnering with Odessa College, Sul Ross State University, and regional industry leaders. Students will be able to earn college credit, industry certifications, and hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships—at no cost—beginning in the 9th grade. Career pathways will include Business Management and Nursing Science, with certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Microsoft Office Specialist.
“This is an exciting time for public schools in the Big Bend region,” said Dr. Michelle Rinehart, Superintendent of Alpine ISD. “The BB-RISE regional collaborative allows us to offer more postsecondary training to local students, increase funding for our schools, and prepare our future workforce for high-demand, high-wage careers.”
BB-RISE is supported by The Education Partnership of the Permian Basin, the initiative’s coordinating entity. The R-PEP designation brings with it additional state funding, technical assistance, and support for data tracking, which includes metrics such as college persistence, credential attainment, employment, and wage outcomes for graduates.
Authorized by the 88th Texas Legislature in 2023 and recently expanded by the 89th Legislature, the R-PEP initiative now supports up to $25 million in annual funding—marking a significant investment in rural education and workforce development.
For more information about BB-RISE and available programs, please contact:
Jarrett Vickers, Regional Director
BB-RISE
jarrett.vickers@educatepb.org