On Monday, February 28th, the Odessa College Board of Trustees voted in support of funding the Odessa College Promise – a new program designed to ensure that college is a reality, and funding is not a barrier for students who choose Odessa College. The high school graduating class of 2024 throughout the service area will be the inaugural class of OC Promise. Congratulations, Class of 2024!
Over the past three months, the Odessa College Board of Trustees has reviewed the college’s plan to launch a promise program. The concept was introduced in December; the data and dollars were shared in January; and on February 28th, the funding and fundraising plans were realized. The OC Promise will be a last-dollar-in scholarship opportunity that will cover the cost of tuition and fees. The first year $1million dollar investment will be the cornerstone of a program designed to increase the college-going and college-completing culture in our region. We can no longer be satisfied with roughly half of the graduating class going to college immediately after their senior year, and we should not tolerate having one of the lowest degree attainment rates in the state. We have a booming economy with great promise for our children’s future. Join us in making this promise to families in the Permian Basin.
In the coming weeks, the college will host a media event, where we will introduce OC Promise and outline funding opportunities. The event will be Odessa College’s call to action for our community: Today’s jobs require a skilled, trained and educated workforce. We must come together to ensure the families in the Permian Basin have access to a free education and a family-sustaining wage. Together we will solve this educational crisis and fulfill the economic need. Until then, please visit tinyurl.com/5c2fvvpf.
Gregory Williams
Odessa College
