It’s a testament to collaboration and determination, the El Paso Community College (EPCC) teamed up with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) nearly three decades ago to establish the Bridges to Baccalaureate Program. A formidable force in the realm of education, this initiative stands tall as the longest-running Bridges Program in the United States, providing a ladder to success for 157 EPCC students through training at UTEP in biomedical research since its inception in 1993, EPCC News reports.
Recognizing its substantial impact, the Bellwether College Consortium has twice given the program a nod – once in Spring 2021, when it was nominated as a finalist under the Planning, Governance, & Finance category, and again in Spring 2024, for the Legacy Award. These accolades are a nod to the program’s influence and commitment to fostering education and research in the STEM fields amongst community college students.
On May 3, 2025, Bridges trainees had the opportunity to present their cutting-edge biomedical research projects at UTEP’s Campus Office of Undergraduate Research Initiatives Symposium. This event was more than just an exhibition; it was a convergence of minds, a networking opportunity where students, faculty, and program directors exchanged ideas and ambitions…