Pushing the Education Pipeline

Furthering Texas A&M’s commitment to supporting future educators

The Pushing the Education Pipeline (PEP) project uses a Hispanic Serving Institution grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide outreach and support to students who want to transfer to Texas A&M University’s flagship campus in College Station or its Higher Education Center at McAllen (HECM) and major in education or human resource development.
Our dedicated faculty and staff will also provide support for students throughout their journey, including:
  • Guidance during the application and financial aid process
  • Advising, tutoring, learning communities and the Byrne Student Success Center
  • Assistance with resources to help with daily living insecurities, health services and mental health counseling

Make the leap

Connect with us on your campus

South Texas College — Pecan Campus (McAllen)

Building: P (North Academic Humanities)

Address: 3201 W. Pecan, McAllen, Texas 78501

Day 1: Monday, September 8, 2025, Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am

Day 2: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

South Texas College — Mid-Valley Campus (Weslaco)

Building: G

Address: 400 N. Border, Weslaco, Texas 78596

Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

South Texas College — Starr County Campus (Rio Grande City)

Building: E

Address: 142 FM 3167, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582

Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Blinn College — Bryan Campus (Building D)

Address: 2423 Blinn Blvd, Bryan, Texas 77802

Day 1: Monday, September 15, 2025, Time: 10:00 am – 4:15 pm

Day 2: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Time: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Day 3: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Time: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Lone Star College — CyFair

Location: CENT Commons / Café Area (Building 8)

Address: 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, Texas 77433

Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Lone Star College — University Park

Address: 2015 State Highway 249, Ste 11437, Houston, Texas 77070

Location: Hallway, 2nd Floor, Buildings 12–13

Date: Monday, September 29, 2025, Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Del Mar College — Heritage Campus / Harvin Center

Address: 101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78404

Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

For more information, email us: cehdrecruitment@tamu.edu

Become an Aggie!

Join us online to learn more about how to transfer to become an Aggie Teacher and/or Human Resource Development student.

Information sessions are held at 1:30 p.m. (CST) on Tuesdays via Zoom.

Join session

Transfer application timelines

Summer / Fall admission

January 1 – March 1

Spring admission

August 1 – October 15

Transfer application

Financial assistance

Federal TEACH Grant

Covers tuition and fees when you enroll in a high-need teacher education program such as bilingual or special education.

Federal Teach GRANT FAQ

Aggie Assurance

Covers tuition and fees when your family income falls in a certain amount.

More information on Aggie Assurance

FAFSA

Application needs-based loans and/or grants

More information on the FAFSA

Become a PEP/HSI ambassador

Eligibility

You must be a transfer student in the College of Education and Human Development to qualify.

Benefits

  • Gain the opportunity to lead
  • Join a community of learners
  • Provide service based on your personal experience
  • Learn about services provided at Texas A&M and/or HECM to support students

Role

  • Attend bi-monthly meetings (virtual or in-person; one-hour max; about 3x per semester)
  • Share your personal transfer story
  • Support PEP/HSI staff with how to better serve transfer students
  • Meet and guide new transfer students
  • Provide video testimonials

Contact

General contact: projectpep@tamu.edu

Marla H. Ramirez, Ed.D.

Director of the PEP Project
(979)-862-1277
marlaramirez@tamu.edu

Clarissa Torrez

PEP Program Coordinator (South Texas)
(956)-271-1375
cbtorrez@tamu.edu

Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen
6200 Tres Lagos Blvd.
McAllen, Texas 78504

Lucy Chalker

PEP Program Manager
lucy.chalker@tamu.edu