Visit Permian Basin Innovation Zone
September 22-23
Hosted by
Experience Rural Innovation
Join us for an immersive look at the Permian Basin Innovation (PBIZ), where collaboration is transforming education in rural communities. Through interactive workshops and guided visits to two PBIZ districts, you'll hear directly from the leaders, teachers, and students who are bringing collaboration to life.
This experience will deepen your understanding of rural collaboratives, the role of coordinating organizations, and the strategies driving success at PBIZ.
Dates
September 22-23, 2026
Locations
Crane ISD
Grandfalls-Royalty ISD
Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership In Action
Schedule at a Glance
Schedule subject to change. Detailed programs will be emailed to attendees one week prior to visit.
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September 22, 2026 Travel and Happy Hour |
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| Daytime |
Travel to Midland/Odessa Fly into Midland International (MAF) |
| 5:30-7:00pm | Optional Networking Happy Hour - Join us for an informal happy hour! There will be no formal programming; this is an opportunity to connect with other participants. |
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September 23, 2026 PBIZ Visit |
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| 8:00 am | Depart Hotel |
| 9:00 am | Travel to McCamey ISD |
| 9:10 - 10:30 am | Welcome and Introduction to PBIZ - Overview of the Permian Basin Innovation Zone model, academy structure, and district context |
| 10:30 - 10:50 am | Travel to Crane ISD |
| 11:00 - 11:20 am | Welcome - Introduction to Crane ISD and Academies |
| 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Academy Tours - Visits to Automotive and Welding pathway programs to see facilities, equipment, and instruction in action |
| 12:00 - 1:30 pm | Lunch and Leadership Panel - Conversation with superintendents and district leaders about building and sustaining the RPEP model in small, rural districts |
| 1:30 - 2:00 pm | Travel to Grandfalls-Royalty ISD |
| 2:15 - 2:30 pm | Student Panel - Hear directly from students about their pathway and dual credit experiences, and how the academy model is shaping their futures |
| 2:30 - 3:00pm | IHE and Workforce Partnership Discussion - How PBIZ structures dual credit, higher education partnerships, and employer connections to create clear pathways from high school to career in a small rural district |
| 3:00 - 3:30 pm | Debrief Q&A - Opportunity to ask questions for presenters as well as make observations and connections to your own work |
| 3:30 - 4:30 pm | Travel to Hotel |
| Evening | Departure Travel |
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September 23, 2026 Departure Travel |
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Recommended Accommodations
Book at Residence Inn by Marriott Odessa
Book your room at a special discounted rate of $189 per night.
To receive this rate, book here by September 1st at 5PM CT
This will also be the pickup and drop-off location for group transportation to and from the PBIZ.
Booking dates are flexible. We recommend booking
Location
7261 Tres Hermanas Blvd
Odessa, TX 79765
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to help. Please reach out if you have further questions. If you are ready, register today.
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This visit is made possible by the generous support of [ ].
There are no event costs to participate in programming.
We ask attendees to cover the cost of their hotel and travel to [ ]. Empower Schools will provide transportation to and from the hotel to site visit sites and lunch during the site visit.
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No. Participants who live closer to the RSIZ, may chose to drive themselves. You are able to indicate your transportation preference in the registration form.
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Yes. Please have every member of your party register so that we may plan accordingly. In addition to providing travel, lodging arrangements, food, and programming materials, we must have an accurate headcount to ensure we are following public school district guidelines regarding visitor clearance and maximum occupancy.
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Please contact Empower Schools to get visit support.
Hannah Sharfman, Director, Empower Schools