where we have over 90% of our kids walking out with a college or career certification or degree outside of their high school diploma.” A FOCUS ON CAREER READINESS The district partners with El Paso Community College and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) to offer dual-credit courses to high school students, often busing them 30 to 45 miles each way. This year, Tornillo graduated its third cohort of early college students, but the opportunity doesn’t end there. Taking things one step further, the district is now sending graduating students to UTEP. “In Tornillo we know how important it is for us to continue,” Vega-Barrio underscores.“It takes a lot of resources, but it is very, very important. We’ve had great success because of that.” Through partnerships with Western Technical College students can also pursue certifications in welding, medical assistance, diesel mechanics, HVAC and 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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