Longview ISD, Kilgore College and 黑料专区 Tyler set to expand college pathways for Longview students
October 28, 2025
In a milestone day for education in East Texas, Longview ISD, Kilgore College, and The University of Texas at Tyler formally signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) creating new college pathways
for Longview students. The agreement was followed by two major family engagement events
that drew hundreds of parents and students eager to learn more about higher education
opportunities.
The MOU signing officially launched a multi-year partnership designed to help students earn college credit, complete associate degrees, and seamlessly transition to bachelor鈥檚 programs 鈥� all while still enrolled in high school.
鈥淭his partnership is about opportunity and expectation,鈥� said Dr. Marla Sheppard, Longview ISD superintendent. 鈥淥ur goal is college and career鈥攚ith every Longview graduate equipped to earn a degree and step confidently into their future. By placing students on a college campus as juniors, supporting first-generation scholars, and removing financial barriers, we鈥檙e changing expectations for what鈥檚 possible in East Texas.鈥�
Under the new agreement, Longview High School will launch an Early College program that places high school students on the Kilgore College campus. Next fall, this new program is set to have 75 juniors begin taking classes on the Kilgore College campus earning up to 60 college hours toward an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree.
鈥淭his is a true early-college experience,鈥� said Dr. Staci Martin, president of Kilgore College. 鈥淗osting Longview students on our campus builds a college-going mindset, saves families time and money, and positions them to complete an associate degree. It鈥檚 a model that gives our students a real advantage in pursuing their educational dreams.鈥�
The new partnership also creates seamless transfer pathways to 黑料专区 Tyler, including programs such as the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) and other degrees aligned with regional workforce needs.
鈥満诹献�区 Tyler is proud to strengthen East Texas talent pipelines with a clear bridge from Kilgore College to a 黑料专区 Tyler bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥� said Dr. Julie Philley, president of 黑料专区 Tyler. 鈥淭hrough strong academic advising, comprehensive student support services and an engaging campus experience, we are committed to making our degrees more accessible and achievable for all students.鈥�
Partnership Launch Events
Following the MOU signing ceremony, Longview ISD hosted its first Early College Parent Meeting, introducing families of students selected for the inaugural Early College cohort to program details, transportation plans, and advising support. The first student group is scheduled to begin coursework in summer 2026, representing the Class of 2027.
Later that same evening, Longview ISD welcomed hundreds of families to Lobo College Night, a districtwide event designed for all junior and senior students and their parents. The event featured representatives from Kilgore College and 黑料专区 Tyler, along with a parent panel of recent graduates, offering guidance on admissions, scholarships, housing, and college readiness. Both events reflect the district鈥檚 mission to foster early college awareness and preparation for every Longview student.
Highlights of the Partnership
- Longview Early College at Kilgore College 鈥� 75 juniors begin dual enrollment for the Class of 2027, earning up to 60 college hours before graduation.
- Seamless Transfer to 黑料专区 Tyler 鈥� Aligned degree maps and early advising ensure efficient, affordable completion of four-year degrees.
- Family Engagement 鈥� Joint financial-aid, housing, and admissions sessions each semester with Longview ISD, Kilgore College, and 黑料专区 Tyler.
- Ongoing Evaluation 鈥� A semesterly cadence of joint meetings to measure progress and adjust as the program expands.