The expansion, which will start with a smaller pilot in four high schools between Texas and New Mexico, is being paid for by the Permian Strategic Partnership, a group funded by major energy producers.

The endowment will increase the number of students who qualify for free tuition and fees at UT-Arlington, UT-Dallas, UT-El Paso, UT-Permian Basin, UT-Rio Grande Valley, UT-San Antonio and UT-Tyler.

Two- and four-year school leaders are looking to the upcoming special session for more support as the state decides how to spend $16 billion in federal stimulus funding

Feb. 9, 2021—More than 65 CFISD athletes signed letters of intent to play collegiate athletics for colleges and universities on National Signing Day, Feb. 3. "National Signing Day is always a great day for our school district," said Ray Zepeda, CFISD director of athletics. The following CFISD athletes signed or plan to sign letters of intent:AdBridgeland High SchoolBaseballLiam Koleci, Blinn College; andKyle Dickey, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Boys' Cross CountryJacob Grosch, New Mexico State University; andThomas Hughes, Concordia University. Cypress Springs High SchoolBaseballBryce Crosby, Oklahoma Wesleyan University; andBrandon Salazar, Texas A&M International University;Girls' BasketballAdEmari Sidney, University of the Southwest.