EPCC Conference Brings Districts Together on Dual Credit Education

El Paso Community College hosted the 13th Annual Building Bridges Dual Credit Conference on Friday, October 23, 2026, bringing educators and counselors together to strengthen connections among dual credit partners across the county.

The conference took place at the EPCC Administrative Services Center and was open to teachers, counselors and advisors from private, charter and public schools. Participation was not limited to Early College High Schools, Dual Credit programs or Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools.

Discussions focused on aligning districts around dual credit education, college readiness and the importance of helping students experience college while earning credits. Jason Long, EPISD senior director of advanced academics, said dual credit can help students begin a college trajectory while also highlighting the value of experiencing a college atmosphere.

Representatives from Socorro ISD and Ysleta ISD also emphasized the need for vertical alignment, from elementary school through high school, and for district staff members across roles to understand the opportunities available through dual credit. That includes teachers, counselors, principals and coaches who may be among the first adults students approach with questions.

EPCC reported that 18 Early College High Schools and 21 P-TECH schools serve more than 10,504 students enrolled through the college, representing roughly 39% of EPCC enrollment.

The conference began as an idea in 2012 and was first held in 2013. Breakout sessions addressed student well-being, purposeful play and productive struggle, postsecondary readiness, library tools, transferability and support at UTEP, services for students with disabilities, and artificial intelligence strategies for the English classroom.

More information about EPCC’s Dual Credit and ECHS programs is available through the EPCC Dual Credit and ECHS programs webpage.