The Hamlin Collegiate ISD Board of Trustees.
For students in rural West Texas, the road from high school to college or a career should not have to lead far from home.
Western Texas College President Dr. Laurie Sharp shared that message with the Hamlin Collegiate ISD Board of Trustees, emphasizing WTC’s role in helping students and families connect education with future opportunities throughout the region.
Sharp told trustees that WTC wants students to see college, credentials and career preparation as realistic options they can begin pursuing while still in high school.
“We want young people in our region to see a clear path from high school to college, a credential of value, a meaningful career, and a strong future,” Sharp said. “And, we want them to know that those opportunities are available close to home.”
One of those starting points is dual credit.
Hamlin Collegiate ISD students can use dual-credit coursework to begin earning transferable college credit or explore career and technical education pathways tied to regional workforce needs. At the same time, students gain experience with college-level expectations before graduating from high school.
Sharp said WTC’s role goes beyond providing classes.
The College can help students and families understand enrollment, advising, financial resources and the transition from high school to college. WTC can also work with school districts to support dual-credit instruction and strengthen connections between education and local workforce opportunities.
That support matters because earning college hours is only the beginning.
Sharp said the larger goal is to help students turn those hours into something that moves them forward, whether that means earning a certificate, industry-based certification or degree, transferring to a university or preparing for a career.
“Our goal is not simply to help students accumulate college hours,” Sharp said. “It is to help them turn those hours into something meaningful.”
“We are working hard to make sure students have a live teacher in the classroom and do not have to rely solely on online learning,” she added.
When students can prepare for college and careers within the region, those opportunities can strengthen the local workforce, support economic development and contribute to the long-term future of rural communities.
Sharp said strong schools and community colleges have an opportunity to work together toward that larger goal.
“Strong public schools and a strong rural-serving community college are part of the same educational ecosystem,” Sharp said. “Our institutions are at their best when we align our resources, expertise, and relationships around students.”
She closed by reinforcing WTC’s commitment to remaining visible and accessible to the communities it serves.
“We are here for your students. We are here for your families,” Sharp said. “And we are committed to being a visible, accessible, and responsive educational partner for Hamlin Collegiate ISD and this community.”
That commitment reflects Sharp’s message for WTC: People first. Purpose always. Forward together.