College & Career Connections

What Is C3?

Midland College and Midland ISD share a strong commitment to fostering student success and ensuring a seamless journey toward each student’s educational and career aspirations.

College and Career Connections (C3) is an outreach program designed to cultivate interest and engagement in college and career opportunities for students and families in the Midland community. Utilizing dedicated C3 coaches embedded in each of the Midland ISD schools, C3 aims to focus on individual student needs by leveraging Midland College and Midland ISD's collective expertise and resources.

How Does C3 Work?

C3 will take the best parts of the guidance counseling world and help kids and families know that there are dual credit opportunities and scholarships available, and that post-secondary education options exist for every student, even if traditional college isn't their intended path.

C3 will impact 6th-12th grade students and families across all MISD campuses. Through intentional interactions with students and families, C3 coaches will ensure they are informed and engaged in planning for college and career. The C3 program will utilize tools to empower Midland ISD students through customized career exploration and connections to resources. Through the ACCESS platform, students will be exposed to over 460 regional careers, and over 11,000 West Texas career experts.

Students will be paired with a C3 coach, who will guide and equip them with the tools and support necessary for a successful college and career journey.

What Will C3 Coaches Do?

While Midland ISD counselors will continue their work with your student providing comprehensive services, C3 coaches will focus primarily on promoting dual credit and post-secondary opportunities for Midland ISD students. C3 coaches will empower students to make well-informed decisions to navigate a path toward Midland College, higher education, and/or a broader professional landscape. C3 coaches will be assigned to elementary and secondary Midland ISD campuses and work with students starting in the 6th grade.

How Will They Do This?

Each C3 coach will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to:

• Work with students and parents throughout the school year to discuss interests and future plans
• Assist with career interest surveys
• Empower students to make well-informed decisions on the path to post-secondary education
• Educate students, families, and community on the resources available to finance college education
• Assist with all things financial aid and FAFSA
• Assist with scholarship opportunities
• Promote dual credit and post-secondary opportunities
• Connect students with the proper avenues to enroll in dual credit, both for core courses as well as Career and Technical Education programs
• Host parent and community workshops on various topics related to college and career opportunities

Who Will Be My Child's Coach?

All C3 coaches will have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university, experience working directly with students, experience working in a public school system, and demonstrated experience in advising students individually and in groups.

The C3 initiative is made possible by generous funding from philanthropic partners: Abell-Hanger Foundation; Diamondback Energy; The Fasken Foundation; Henry Foundation; McGary Regan Foundation; Pevehouse Family Foundation; Scharbauer Foundation; and Warren Charitable Foundation. 

For more information, contact:

Lori Haltom
Executive Director, College & Career Connections
Midland College
lhaltom@midland.edu
(432) 685-6766

Staci Duncan
Coordinator, College & Career Connections
Midland ISD
staci.duncan@midlandisd.net
(432) 240-6115