Empower Schools Awarded $750,000 Grant from Greater Texas Foundation

To Expand Rural Partnerships Across Texas

Empower Schools is proud to announce a $750,000 grant from Greater Texas Foundation to support the expansion of Rural Pathway Excellence Partnerships (R-PEP) to three additional regions: Region 14, Region 1, and Region 16, and support broader efforts to spread the rural collaborative model. 

While rural learners in Texas graduate from high school at higher rates than their urban peers, they remain less likely to enroll in postsecondary education. Awarded in the spring of 2025, this investment has already started to address that gap by supporting the implementation of new R-PEPs that will serve approximately 15 rural school districts, creating stronger college and career pathways for students in historically underserved communities.

Inspired by the success of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone in South Texas, Rural Pathway Excellence Partnerships, codified in HB 2209 (88th Legislative Session) and expanded in HB2 and HB120 (89th Legislative Session), brings together rural school districts, higher education institutions, and regional workforce partners to expand access to high-quality, labor market-aligned college and career pathways. Designed to meet the unique needs of rural communities, R-PEPs promote collaboration across districts, streamline resources, and create shared opportunities that prepare students for success beyond high school.  

“This generous support from Greater Texas Foundation will significantly strengthen our ability to foster rural collaboration across Texas,” said Alyssa Morton, CEO and Partner of Empower Schools. “The Foundation is a strategic partner who shares our belief in the power of systems change—where strong policy and even stronger implementation can unlock opportunity at scale. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to rural learners and their investment in partnerships that are building sustainable pathways to college and career success.”

Learn more about Empower’s work in Rural Innovation or reach out to Hannah Foley, Senior Director, to learn more about our work in Texas.