08/14/2026
Sarah Beal was awarded $1,442,862 from the Moody Foundation for her project to expand postsecondary opportunities for rural students while strengthening the educator workforce across rural Texas.
In partnership with the US PREP National Center and regional education partners, the initiative will connect rural high schools, community colleges, and Texas Tech University to create clear pathways from high school to college and careers.
Beginning in 2026–27, the project will support dual credit, career exploration, advising, and “grow-your-own” educator pathways. Over three years, the initiative aims to support more than 1,000 rural students and recruit, prepare, and place approximately 80 new teachers in participating rural districts.
Through Tech Teach’s yearlong teacher residency, future educators will also gain hands-on classroom experience, with participating districts providing a minimum $20,000 stipend.
Texas Tech University College of Education