EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the El Paso Community College (EPCC) welcomed the inaugural cohort of students to their new program. EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy is a program that will make an engineering degree more accessible to students in the El Paso region, according to the news release by UTEP. The first cohort introduced to the program consists of 13 students. First cohort welcomed into the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy. Photo taken by Tony Pina, KTSMFirst cohort welcomed into the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy. Photo courtesy to EPCCDr. Kenith Meissner, UTEP and Dr. Rebecca Escamilla, EPCC. Photo courtesy to EPCCFirst cohort welcomed into the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy. Photo taken by Tony Pina, KTSMPamela Gomez, a student in the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy. Photo courtesy to EPCC.Damian Ibarra, a student in the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy. Photo courtesy to EPCC.First cohort welcomed into the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy. Photo taken by Tony Pina, KTSM "This innovative collaboration between both of our nationally recognized institutions represents a powerful convergence of vision and expertise. Together, we are creating the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy which will set new standards for excellence in education and have a transformative impact on our students and community," EPCC President William Serrata said. "This partnership not only amplifies our commitment to pioneering innovation in engineering education but also underscores our dedication to shaping future leaders who will drive meaningful change in our world as they graduate and embark on engineering careers." According to UTEP, faculty and staff from both institutions designed experiences and scheduled classes to make it easier for students to start their degrees at EPCC and continue their engineering degrees at UTEP. "We want to open more pathways for students to earn valuable degrees," said UTEP President Heather Wilson. "This was a good idea to do something together that neither of us could do alone. I’m grateful for the partnership we enjoy with EPCC and we will build on this." In addition, the program provides a range of benefits for the students throughout their academic journey, including an aligned curriculum that allows students to utilize resources at both EPCC and UTEP, according to the news release. "I am proud that I get to be a member of the new EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy that creates a new foundation and opportunity — a change that not only helps students but makes an impact on our community," said inaugural cohort member Jesus Davila. "Both of my sisters went to these institutions, and every time I visit them, I feel at home." Students will have access to financial aid, scholarships and grants to help them afford their education in the program, according to UTEP. Math enrichment boot camps will also be available for pre-calculus and calculus, according to UTEP. "We are thrilled to announce this inaugural cohort of students in the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy, which marks an innovative new chapter in engineering education for our region," Rebecca Escamilla, Ph.D., EPCC dean of arts, architecture, math and science said. "By combining the expertise and resources of both institutions, our faculty will create a dynamic, forward-thinking learning experience that will inspire and equip the next generation of engineers to shape a better world." The program's cohort will have hands-on experience and career preparation where students will have opportunities to participate in research, engineering design competitions and apprenticeships. Beyond the academics, students in the program will be a part of "a supportive cohort" that will allow them to build strong relationships with their peers, interact with faculty and staff from both institutions and create an "enriching' education experience, according to UTEP. "We are incredibly excited to launch the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy and welcome our inaugural cohort of future engineers," said Kenith Meissner, PhD., dean of the UTEP College of Engineering. "By joining forces, we are paving the way for a new generation of innovators who will drive excellence in engineering." For more information or to apply to the EPCC | UTEP Engineering Academy, visit the website here.