PJC awarded part of Multi-Million Dollar Talent Strong Texas Pathways Grant

Based on outstanding accomplishments and dedication to student success, Paris Junior College has been selected to participate in Talent Strong Texas Pathways. The $16 million five-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.

“I am excited to be recognized for our accomplishments and to be able to continue our Pathways work with a focus on the workforce and building a Talent Strong Texas,” said Dr. Pam Anglin, PJC President.

Paris Junior College has been both a state and national leader for more than seven years in the use of Pathways to help students clarify their goals. They select a pathway and stay on track with that pathway to finish a certificate or degree without any excessive hours.

Because of Pathways, PJC students’ average semester credit hours are lower than peer community colleges, and PJC outperforms those colleges in the average time a student takes to graduate.

The state’s higher education strategic plan, “Building a Talent Strong Texas,” targets expanding the attainment of valuable postsecondary credentials. The intent 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,” said 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.

“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 Paris Junior 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 https://tacc.org/tsc.