El Paso ISD is basking in the glow of success as its high school students have clinched a commendable academic feat. According to El Paso ISD, the district celebrated the admirable achievement of students graduating with associate degrees before even tossing their high school caps. This celebratory event took place on Friday, December 12, at the EPCC Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies, hosted at UTEP’s Don Haskins Center.
The event highlighted the perseverance and dedication of 28 students from the district's Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology (P-TECH) programs. In one impressive sweep, graduates from Burges ECHS and Transmountain ECHS earned Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in Multidisciplinary Studies, respectively. All of these students, as per El Paso ISD, are set to start at UTEP come spring, with scholarships expected to cover up to nine college credits per semester.
While the achievements were widespread, individual honors were also prominent. Andress P-TECH saw a student triumph with an Associate of Arts in Teaching, focusing on a range that spans from early childhood to special education. Franklin P-TECH, adding to the tally of accomplishments, saw two of its students complete their degree pathways.
These milestones represent not just academic accolades but also unlock potential for future pursuits. It's the kind of moment that Miley Cardenas, a proud Burges ECHS senior, encapsulated in her message: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams," she told El Paso ISD. The district echoed her sentiment, offering congratulations to all Fall 2025 graduates and acknowledging the network of educators, families, and EPCC partners whose support was instrumental.
