Governor Greg Abbott last week announced that 17 Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) planning and expansion grants totaling $2,560,000 have been awarded to 17 rural school district partnerships. “Rural Texas students deserve access to high-quality college and career pathways,” said Governor Abbott. Partnerships among rural school districts ensure every Texas student, no matter where they live, has the tools to succeed and to strengthen our state’s economic future.” “Through R-PEP, rural school systems can provide their students with access to high-quality college and career programing that will prepare them for in-demand fields and postsecondary success.” The R-PEP program incentivizes rural school districts to partner with neighboring districts to increase access to high-quality postsecondary pathways for rural students.