• The mission of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage the education programs for eligible dependents of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense. DoDEA is committed to ensuring that all school-aged children of military families are provided a world-class education that prepares them for postsecondary education and/or career success and to be leading contributors in their communities as well as in our 21st century globalized society.

    The DoDEA Education Partnership and Resources Branch provides outreach to military-connected local education agencies (LEAs) to support academic achievement and positive educational opportunities for military children. Since 2009, DoDEA has awarded over $522 million in grants to serve 3.2 million students in military-connected public schools nationwide.

    El Paso ISD has been a DoDEA grantee since 2013 and currently operates three grant-funded programs.

  • Connecting 21st Century Pathways to Active, Engaged Learning: Gateway to STEM Careers for Military-Connected Communities

    Campuses: Navarrete Middle School; Hartley PK-8; and Chapin High School

    This program is designed to vertically align Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)-based learning from elementary to high school and create a gateway for college and career readiness military-connected communities. Students at Chapin gain access to diverse course options, college credit, industry certifications, and new classroom technology that will give them hands-on STEM experience. Additionally, middle school students at Navarrete and Hartley can prepare for acceptance to Chapin’s engineering magnet program through more STEM-focused electives, extracurricular clubs, and summer camps. During school breaks, STEM camps allow elementary school students to participate in activities related to fields like coding, robotics, and forensic science. The program also incorporates classes and teacher training from Project Lead the Way, a national educational non-profit assisting in transforming K-12 classrooms through hands-on, student-led learning with real-world applications. Through this program, students will develop their interest in science, improve their skills, and prepare for careers in STEM.

  • Raise the Bar: An Engaging Approach to Whole-Child Wellness and Achievement Through Increased Physical Fitness

    Campuses: Bliss, Cielo Vista, Logan, Milam, Nixon, Park, Powell, Tippin, Tom Lea, and Torres Elementary Schools; Navarrete and Richardson Middle Schools; Hartley and MacArthur PK-8; and Chapin High School

    The Raise the Bar Fitness Initiative is El Paso Independent School District’s project aimed at improving wellness and physical activity for its students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Raise the Bar curriculum at all levels will emphasize physical fitness through cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition along with balanced nutrition. Younger students will participate during their physical education class, while middle and high school students will have the option to take a Raise the Bar elective course. Each school year will culminate in a district-wide competition that partners with Fort Bliss Army Installation and other community stakeholders. The Raise the Bar Fitness Initiative will tailor and replicate the work begun at Ross Middle to connect the district’s military-connected schools, the community, and Fort Bliss Army Installation through competition and camaraderie. This program is DoDEA grant-funded through May 2026.

     

  • World Language Advancement and Readiness Program: Conexiones (Connections)

    Campuses: Bliss, Hughey, Milam, and Powell Elementary Schools

    Conexiones (Connections) will provide K-5 students with Spanish language education complemented by lessons on Hispanic culture. As military-connected students learn about the arts, customs, and traditions of the predominantly Hispanic region, those who were unfamiliar with the culture will gain exposure to help them acclimate to the broader community. Outside of regular classroom activities, Conexiones will engage parents through monthly program newsletters and “family night” activities culminating in the annual World Language Festival, further cementing the connections between military-connected families and the greater El Paso community. Ultimately, this world language initiative will not only increase students’ exposure to the Spanish language and culture of the area surrounding Fort Bliss but also teach them cultural competencies that will help them feel less isolated from the community. These are transferable skills that will serve military-connected students through future relocations, higher education, and their eventual careers. Conexiones will be funded by a DoDEA grant through May 2027.