Gov. Abbott Announces $2.5 Million in Rural Student Career Pathway Grants

AUSTIN, TX — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that 17 Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership grants totaling $2.56 million have been awarded to rural school district partnerships across Texas.

The grants, administered by the Texas Education Agency, include $200,000 planning grants to help prospective Rural Pathway Excellence Partnerships, or R-PEPs, design college and career pathways focused on labor market needs, operational readiness and program implementation. Existing R-PEPs will receive $80,000 expansion grants to add participating school districts or expand available career pathways.

“Rural Texas students deserve access to high-quality college and career pathways,” Abbott said. “These grants provide that opportunity so they can prepare for high-wage, high-demand jobs in their communities. Partnerships among rural school districts ensure every Texas student, no matter where they live, has the tools to succeed and to strengthen our state’s economic future.”

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the grants demonstrate the state's commitment to supporting rural schools and expanding educational opportunities.

“Texas educates the largest population of rural students in the nation, and these grants serve as a tangible example of our commitment to supporting rural school systems and the communities they serve,” Morath said. “Through R-PEP, rural school systems can provide their students with access to high-quality college and career programming that will prepare them for in-demand fields and postsecondary success.”

The R-PEP program encourages neighboring rural school districts to work together to increase student access to college and career pathways. State officials said the partnerships are designed to expand educational opportunities, improve workforce preparation and promote economic development in rural communities.

The Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership program was established through House Bill 2209 during the 88th Texas Legislature and builds on the Rural Schools Innovation Zone initiative serving students in South Texas.