The Odessa College Board of Directors approved the purchase of five trucks for the college’s truck driving program at their meeting Tuesday.
The cost is $1,022,876.87 paid for through a $3.5 million grant from the Permian Strategic Partnership. The college is taking 12-month delivery on the vehicles.
The $3.5 million includes two more instructors, five 2024 Peterbilt trucks, three belly dump trailers, two flatbed trailers, five modified seat installments — an extra section to make the cab a classroom so that students have a place to sit and learn in the truck cab — and truck driving scholarships totaling $2 million.
According to a recent news release, students should apply now for the upcoming classes, which start April 10, and scholarships will be based on the students’ financial need.
To qualify for the Permian Strategic Partnership Commercial Driver License Scholarship, students must:
>> Be a resident of one of the following Texas counties: Ector, Midland, Reeves, Pecos, Loving, Ward, Winkler, Culberson, Andrews, Martin, Gaines, Howard, Glasscock, Reagan, Upton, Crane, Terrell, Crockett, Yoakum or New Mexico counties: Eddy, Lea, Chaves.
>> Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need.
>> Complete and pass a drug screening prior to receiving their scholarship.
For more information or to register for the program, contact the Odessa College Continuing Education Department at 432-335-6580.
The board also approved purchase of a simulation medication dispensing system for $141,794 and the purchase of property at 201 Cummings Drive for $150,000.
The board also;
>> Approved fees for fall 2023.
>> Approved financial statements and budget amendments and the quarterly investment report.
>> Certified unopposed candidates for the board of trustees — Bruce Shearer, Place 1, Hortencia Del Bosque, Place 2, and Dr. Tara Deaver, Place 8. The board also approved an order of cancellation of the May 6 election.
>> Approved a resolution supporting Texas Commission on Community College Finance recommendations.
>> Heard a report on OC’s bachelor degree programs from Gisela Davila, the bachelor’s degree program coordinator.
Janice Hicks, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, talked about high value credentials and OC’s inclusion in Unlocking Opportunity, a network of 10 colleges.
The network is aiming to increase equitable access and success in high-value pathways and decrease the number of students on paths that don’t lead to strong post- graduation opportunities, according to the presentation.
