Our Mission
Our mission is to build a space where small, rural districts work together, embodying the heart and strength of rural Texas to compete and to prepare and support students, educators, and community in the creation of a vibrant and successful Permian Basin regional economy.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create opportunity, access, experience and outcomes for all.
Who We Are
The Permian Basin Innovation Zone (PBIZ) is a Grow Our Own Initiative of the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin. Modeled after the highly successful Rural Schools Innovation Zone in South Texas, we seek to increase student access to rigorous college and CTE pathways that prepare students for high-wage, high-demand jobs while simultaneously bolstering local, rural economies. The Permian Basin Innovation Zone is a formal collaboration codified through a signed performance agreement between three independent school districts (Crane, McCamey, and Grandfalls-Royalty), three institutions of higher education (Midland College, Odessa College, UT-Permian Basin), and business industry leaders.
Who We Serve
The Permian Basin Innovation Zone is a rural collaborative that serves communities across the Permian Basin, currently supporting three districts with close to 500 high school students. Texas has more schools in rural areas than any other state. Rural districts face unique challenges such as limited opportunities and budget constraints. Rather than shying away from these challenges, the PBIZ brings together districts, educators and business leaders to support rural students and communities.
Our collaboration reimagines how rural districts in the region can effectively and efficiently utilize public resources to provide an outstanding CTE experience for students.
What We Do
The Permian Basin Innovation Zone (PBIZ) utilizes regional labor market analysis and local industry demands to develop and expand CTE pathways for students. These pathways provide students with opportunities to earn credentials and professional certifications, pursue higher education, and gain work-based experiences. Our goal is to meet the needs of both students and our region.
To achieve this, districts specialize in a specific CTE pathway and collaborate to share faculty, resources, and funding across district boundaries.
2023-2024
Grow Your Own Educator Academy
- Education Aide
Medical Academy
- Nursing
Manufacturing Academy
- Welding
2024-2025
Grow Your Own Educator Academy
- Education
Medical Academy
- Nursing
Manufacturing Academy
- Welding
Oil and Gas Academy
- More information coming soon
*Subject to change with community and district input
The Permian Basin Innovation Zone enhances opportunities for students in rural school districts by building connections across rural communities.
Interested in getting involved or want more information?
Contact the PBIZ Director Sara Saleem at sara.saleem@educatepb.org.
Our Partners
