Panola College awarded $260,000 Perkins Leadership Grant to strengthen CTE programs

Panola College has been awarded a $260,000 Perkins V State Leadership Grant to enhance the recruitment, preparation, and retention of qualified Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors. The initiative, titled “Educate to Elevate: Empowering CTE Instructors to Grow, Stay, and Lead,” was written and developed by Reanna Hart, Perkins Grant Director at Panola College.

The project focuses on expanding faculty credentials, improving instructional quality, and promoting equity across all CTE programs. Grant funding will support tuition assistance for faculty, two annual professional development institutes, industry immersion experiences in Health Sciences and Energy, and the creation of a Faculty Active Learning Center equipped with advanced instructional technology.

Additional initiatives include Quality Matters training, leadership development opportunities, and a targeted recruitment campaign to attract diverse, industry-experienced educators to the college’s growing CTE programs.

"This grant gives us the chance to support our CTE faculty in real, meaningful ways," said Hart. "When we invest in our instructors, helping them grow, get the credentials they need, and stay connected to industry, our students benefit. We are grateful we can use these funds to strengthen the programs our community relies on."

The project aims to reduce course bottlenecks, expand student access to high-demand programs, and ensure that curriculum aligns closely with regional workforce needs. By doing so, Panola College will help prepare students for successful, sustainable careers while addressing critical workforce gaps in the region.

"This grant is an incredible opportunity to elevate our commitment to student success and workforce development," said Dr. Jessica Pace, President of Panola College. "By empowering our instructors with new tools, training, and experiences, we are investing not only in our faculty but also in the future of our students and the communities we serve."

Designed to be replicable across Texas, the Educate to Elevate initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on faculty development, instructional innovation, and student achievement at Panola College.