CREEED pledges $1M for local education programs, scholarships

One million dollars is coming to El Paso school districts.

The Council for Regional Economic Expansion and Educational Development President Richard Castro announced the pledge Wednesday morning to fund programs for students and teachers. CREEED, as it’s better known, is looking to increase the number of local college grads.

Superintendents from El Paso Independent School District, Ysleta Independent School District and Canutillo Independent School District spoke at the event, as well as University of Texas at El Paso President Diana Natalicio.

“With this coming in and they’re saying they’re going to help teachers get their master’s to teach dual credit, I am thrilled about it,” Ysleta Teachers Association President Arlinda Valencia said.

In Texas, educators must have a master’s degree in the topic they teach as dual credit to high-schoolers. When students are in dual credit classes, they earn the requirements to get their high school diplomas and college credits at the same time.

“A lot of kids are getting dual credit and going into college with 18 hours, 20 hours,” Valencia said. She said along with getting a head start, students earn the credit hours towards an associate or bachelor’s degree for much less cost. This is often because school districts cover the costs of the higher education exams.

Along with the scholarships for teachers, CREEED also announced investments in science, technology, engineering and math programs for local schools.

The five programs coming to local schools are: Girls Who Code, STEM accelerator, New Tech Network, Advise Texas and Young Leader Forum. All programs either focus on STEM, enrolling students in college or youth leadership.

The plan as to how money will be allocated is still being talked out between CREEED and school district superintendents.