Crane, Texas – On Saturday, Crane High School became the hub of higher‑education outreach for the Permian Basin when it hosted the first regional college night for rural districts. Organized by the Permian Basin Innovation Zone (PBIZ), the event brought representatives from nine colleges and universities to the high school gym, allowing students and their families to ask questions and gather information in person.
Local students gain exposure to post‑secondary options
Jordan Clack, director of PBIZ, explained that many rural students have limited exposure to colleges beyond their hometowns. “In our rural districts, it’s really hard for our students to understand what happens outside of our towns, and bringing colleges to our students really helps them see what’s outside of their towns and cities,” Clack said. “It allows them to explore those options without having to travel outside of those areas.”
High‑school senior Maritza Hernandez echoed that sentiment. When her first‑choice program was unavailable, a college rep suggested a comparable welding program at another institution. “Some of the colleges, you know I want to do welding because I’m already in it, sometimes they’ll be like ‘no we don’t have it, but we have this other program that’s similar,’” Hernandez said. “Being here is pretty good because it gives me alternatives I didn’t know existed.”
Colleges and trade schools showcase programs
The evening featured a mix of traditional universities and trade schools, reflecting the diverse pathways students in the region may pursue. Lacie Gomez, an academic advisor from Texas State Technical College, highlighted the value of in‑person conversations. “Us coming out to these schools, no matter how far, it’s important for everybody to actually see us, get to talk to us one on one,” Gomez said. “We can give them more program information and a glimpse of what our school is about.”
Representatives distributed brochures, program guides, and hands‑on materials, giving families a tangible sense of each school’s offerings. Attendees from neighboring towns also participated, expanding the event’s reach beyond Crane and reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the Permian Basin Innovation Zone.
Looking ahead
Organizers view the college night as a pilot that could become a recurring fixture in rural education. “This was the first time PBIZ has hosted a college night,” Clack noted. “We hope the event continues at more rural districts in future years.” The positive response from students, parents, and college staff suggests the model may be replicated across the basin, helping to bridge the information gap that often separates rural youth from higher‑education opportunities.
By bringing higher‑education resources directly to the community, Crane High School’s initiative underscores the importance of local action in expanding educational horizons for families who might otherwise feel isolated from the broader academic landscape.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
