The Area Vocational Program began in 1971, just two years after the college opened. At that time, PPCC was called El Paso Community College and located in various buildings around the county. School districts 2, 3, 8, and 11 were a few of the initial partners.

El Paso County saw the need for vocationally-trained students. The expense of a quality, up-to-date vocational program in a number of areas was difficult for local school districts. By contracting with the college, school districts were able to best serve their students and pay only $15 a year per student. Even from the start, college credit was an option.

AVP continues to exist because our career-technical programs offer the most current curriculum, expert instruction, and modern equipment in numerous courses that area school districts do not.