WTC President Dr. Laurie Sharp with the Jayton-Girard ISD Board of Trustees at the school board meeting on August 31, 2026.
Western Texas College President Dr. Laurie Sharp highlighted growing dual-credit enrollment and new efforts to help rural students earn college credentials and prepare for careers during public comments to the Jayton-Girard ISD Board of Trustees at the school board meeting on Aug. 31, 2026.
Over the past three years, 44 Jayton-Girard students have completed 174 college credit hours through Western Texas College (WTC). Participation grew from 12 students during the 2023–24 academic year to 25 students this year, more than doubling in two years.
“These numbers represent students who have started building their futures before graduating from high school,” Sharp said. “They are gaining confidence, earning transferable college credit and reducing the time and cost required to complete a degree or workforce credential.”
Sharp emphasized the institutions’ shared commitment to creating opportunity close to home. Dual-credit courses help students see a direct path from high school to college, a credential of value and a meaningful career while allowing families to save on future higher-education costs.
“Access should not depend on a student’s zip code,” Sharp said. “When we bring college courses and career pathways within reach of students where they live and learn, we give them momentum and a stronger sense of what comes next.”
WTC also supports the Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership Program (R-PEP), coordinated by Education Service Center Region 14 with Jayton-Girard ISD and other participating rural districts. The program connects students with high-demand, high-wage career pathways and opportunities to earn valuable credentials while still in high school.
Through R-PEP, school districts, higher-education institutions, workforce partners and employers work together on a shared regional strategy. WTC plans to contribute labor-market information, employer connections, pathway development and support for work-based learning opportunities when appropriate.
“Strong rural public schools and a strong rural-serving community college form part of the same educational ecosystem,” Sharp said. “When we align our resources, expertise and relationships around students, we strengthen families, employers and communities across West Texas.”
Sharp thanked Jayton-Girard ISD trustees and leaders for their service and commitment to students. She also reaffirmed WTC’s support as dual-credit participation and R-PEP pathways continue to grow.
“At WTC, we put people first, remain focused on our purpose and move forward together,” Sharp said. “That means helping Jayton-Girard students recognize their potential and creating clear, supported pathways toward education and meaningful careers.”