Texas House Bill HR755

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Commending El Paso Community College on developing an exemplary geosciences program.

Impact

The successful implementation of the geosciences program at EPCC has led to significant increases in student transfers to The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), with the number of students pursuing bachelor's degrees in geology quadrupling and those in environmental science nearly doubling in the first seven years since the program's inception. This indicates not only a positive trend in higher education attainment among community college students but also serves to strengthen the local workforce in these crucial fields.

Summary

House Resolution 755 commends El Paso Community College (EPCC) for its exemplary geosciences program that effectively prepares students for advanced studies in geology and environmental science. The resolution highlights the leadership of Joshua Villalobos and the structured curriculum that includes seven geology and environmental courses alongside foundational math and science classes. The program is tailored to provide hands-on experiences through field-based research, alongside insights into various career opportunities in geosciences.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR 755 is overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness in geosciences. Legislators expressed pride in EPCC's achievements, recognizing the institution’s role in providing affordable and high-quality education that benefits the local community and economy. The resolution underscores the importance of community colleges in facilitating access to further education.

Contention

While HR 755 celebrates the achievements of EPCC, it also subtly underscores the need for continued support for community colleges and their programs. There may be ongoing discussions regarding funding and resources for similar community-driven educational initiatives, highlighting the importance of maintaining robust partnerships between educational institutions and local economies to meet workforce demands. However, no substantial opposition to the resolution was noted in the discussions and voting history surrounding it.