This spring, hundreds of seniors from Socorro Independent School District’s class of 2024 took a significant step toward their futures. They registered for courses and gained valuable insights into college life at both El Paso Community College and The University of Texas at El Paso through Operation College Bound at the district’s six comprehensive high schools.
Since 2018, SISD has partnered with UTEP and EPCC for Operation College Bound, which provides seniors like Giselle Cordero with information about the opportunities at both post-secondary educational institutions.
Cordero, a student at Americas High School and the first person in her family to attend college, enrolled in EPCC’s court reporting program to become a stenographer. She registered for classes and received her class schedule.
“It's a great opportunity because we get to play games, we get to get (merchandise), and we get to know (EPCC) a little bit better,” Cordero said about the event. “So, thank you, Socorro Independent School District!”
The first Operation College Bound event of the year took place at Americas on March 25, followed by additional events at Pebble Hills, El Dorado, Socorro, Eastlake, and Montwood high schools until April 8.
During the event, seniors who were interested in attending EPCC had the opportunity to meet with an admission counselor and register for fall courses. Students who were interested in attending UTEP were able to register for New Student Orientation and enroll in their first course at the university.
Americas High School Principal Nancy Torres said Operation College Bound helped to clear a path for students to continue their education after high school.
“We're removing that barrier for students to be able to register here with El Paso Community College and UTEP,” Torres said. “We're excited to open our doors to UTEP and EPCC today.”
Carlos Amaya, vice president of Student Enrollment Services at EPCC, said it was important for the college to meet its future scholars on their turf.
"We know how important higher ed is to students, and so we feel it's our responsibility, (along with) being good community members and understanding the importance of education in our community and these students' lives, to take these services to them," Amaya said. “We appreciate the partnership with the school district and with our four-year partner, the University of Texas at El Paso. And we come here with that singular vision to enroll students and get them to continue on their higher education path."
Americas senior Joshua Campos was excited about attending UTEP in the fall, especially after meeting with university representatives at Operation College Bound. He said he looked forward to meeting new people, learning new things, and having new experiences at UTEP.
“Having this experience (at Operation College Bound), it was really nice because there was a lot of help and a lot of teachers that came together to help (us),” Campos said.
Kristine Velasquez, Ph.D., director of Enrollment Outreach and Strategic Recruitment Initiatives at UTEP, said the event was a good opportunity for the university to start building relationships with incoming Miners.
“Higher education is extremely important, especially in our community,” Velasquez said. “Of course, education really is the key to success, and our futures and to make sure that our dreams come true. So, we definitely want to be here for our students and their families, supporting all of our incoming students through our transitions into the university.”