Three-year investment will strengthen college access, dual credit opportunities, and workforce pathways for Hamlin families
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Hamlin Collegiate ISD has been awarded $1,264,725 through The Moody Foundation’s M-Pact Fund to expand college and career opportunities for rural students by strengthening postsecondary pathways, increasing dual credit access, and providing personalized support that helps more students successfully transition from high school into college and high-demand careers.
The three-year investment will support a comprehensive College and Career Success Initiative designed to ensure every Hamlin student has the guidance, preparation, and opportunities needed to pursue higher education or workforce credentials—regardless of geography or family income.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to removing barriers that have historically limited opportunities for rural students. More than 72% of Hamlin Collegiate ISD students are economically disadvantaged, and many will become the first in their families to attend college. The grant will establish a dedicated College and Career Navigator, expand ACT, SAT, and TSI preparation, provide high-dosage tutoring through university partnerships, strengthen family engagement, and increase the district’s capacity to offer dual credit courses taught by locally credentialed teachers.
“What excites us most is the opportunity to completely transform the postsecondary trajectory for our rural families,” said Dr. Chanda Bloch, Superintendent of Hamlin Collegiate ISD. “In a geographically isolated West Texas community, college can often feel out of reach because of cost, travel, and limited exposure. This investment allows us to bridge those gaps right here at home. We’re not simply handing students information—we’re walking alongside families every step of the way so every Pied Piper believes that earning a college degree or workforce credential is an achievable reality.”
The initiative will serve approximately 120 to 150 students annually while strengthening a seamless Grade 9-13 pipeline connecting high school, college, and career opportunities. Students will receive individualized college advising, structured academic support, expanded campus visits, stronger financial aid guidance, and greater access to dual credit and workforce credentials aligned with regional high-wage careers.
A key component of the project focuses on long-term sustainability. Rather than relying on outside instructors, Hamlin Collegiate ISD will invest in developing homegrown educators who can teach additional dual credit courses, permanently expanding opportunities for future students while strengthening the district’s own instructional capacity.
The district expects the investment to produce measurable gains over the next three years, including:
- Increasing dual credit participation from 90% to 95% of juniors and seniors.
- Raising the percentage of graduates earning 15 or more college credit hours from 50% to 80%.
- Increasing students earning industry-recognized certifications.
- Growing postsecondary enrollment while strengthening persistence after high school.
“Every rural student deserves access to the same opportunities available anywhere else,” said Chris Coxon, President of Collegiate Edu-Nation. “Hamlin Collegiate ISD has built a strong foundation for student success, and this investment strengthens that work by removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and helping more students confidently pursue college, workforce credentials, and meaningful careers.”
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN), which will provide implementation coaching, data monitoring, strategic support, and systems alignment to help ensure long-term success. Together, the partners will continue building a sustainable rural model that connects education with workforce opportunity while improving College, Career, and Military Readiness outcomes.
Hamlin Collegiate ISD is one of 13 rural Texas initiatives supported by Collegiate Edu-Nation that received funding through The Moody Foundation’s M-Pact Fund. Collectively, these projects received more than $20.3 million to expand student success, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity across rural Texas.
About Hamlin Collegiate ISD
Hamlin Collegiate ISD serves students in Jones County, Texas, with a mission to build a strong foundation that empowers every Pied Piper to persevere, achieve, and lead in life. Through innovative collegiate pathways and strong community partnerships, the district is preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.
About Collegiate Edu-Nation
Collegiate Edu-Nation (CEN) is a Texas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming rural education through innovative school models, college and career pathways, and community-driven partnerships. CEN works alongside school districts, higher education institutions, employers, and community stakeholders to increase postsecondary attainment, strengthen workforce readiness, and expand economic opportunity for students and communities across rural Texas.
