Visit The Permian Basin Innovation Zone

September 22-23

Hosted by

Empower Schools logo. Colorful text that reads "EMPOWER schools" with a red-yellow-green bar below.
Logo of the Permian Basin Innovation Zone, featuring colorful arrows pointing right and the text 'PBIZ' and 'PERMIAN BASIN INNOVATION ZONE'.
Logo for Education Partnership for the Paraguayan East showing colorful interlocking shapes and black text.
Person welding metal with sparks flying, wearing a welding helmet, gloves, and protective clothing in a workshop.

Experience Rural Innovation

Join us for an immersive look at the Permian Basin Innovation Zone (PBIZ), where collaboration is transforming education in rural communities. Through guided visits to 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.

Register

Dates

September 22-23, 2026

Locations

Crane ISD

511 W 8th St

Crane, TX 79731

McCamey ISD

111 E 11th St

McCamey, TX 79752

Various Sites

Final itinerary with details to be shared one week prior to the visit

 Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership In Action

  • R-PEP Discovery

    Hear from district leadership, pathways instructors, and students that are bringing high-quality pathways to life

  • Be In Community

    Network with other district and ecosystem partners and practitioners that are interested in R-PEP

  • Apply Your Learning

    Explore practical tools, resources, and strategies you can adapt to bring career pathways to your uniqe context

September 22

5:00PM - 7:00 PM

Happy Hour

SEptember 23

9:00AM-10AM

10:00AM-2:00PM

2:00PM-4:30PM

Welcome and Framing

Tour Various Academies

Lunch provided by Empower Schools

Interactive Learning Sessions

Student panels, workshops, and Q&A

Schedule at a Glance

Schedule subject to change. Detailed programs will be emailed to attendees one week prior to visit.

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.

Exterior view of a hotel at night with illuminated building, flagpoles with American, Texas, and other flags, and a covered entrance.

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.

Register

  • We recommend the Residence Inn by Marriott Odessa. Book by September 1 to receive Empower’s special discounted rate using this link.

  • We highly recommend arriving the morning of September 22 to make the most of programming, including networking during happy hour the evening of September 22.

  • Attendees should fly into Midland International Airport (MAF).

  • Group transportation will be available to escort attendees between events. If you would like to take group transportation, please be sure to arrive at the Residence Inn by Marriott Odessa by 8:45am on September 23.

    Residence Inn by Marriott Odessa does not provide shuttle service to and from the airport. Ride shares are available and easily hailed within Odessa. Private transportation including ride share and car rentals are at the attendee’s expense.

  • There are no event costs to participate in programming.

    We ask attendees to cover the cost of their hotel and travel to Midland. In addition to hosting programming, Empower Schools will provide group transportation to and from the hotel and to sites throughout the visit. We also provide lunch.

  • No. Participants who live closer to the PBIZ, may chose to drive themselves. You are able to indicate your transportation preference in the registration form.

  • 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.

  • Please contact Empower Schools to get visit support.

    Hannah Sharfman, Director, Empower Schools


    hsharfman@empowerschools.org