The partnership was initiated by the El Paso Community partners. After conducting a needs assessment that included findings that there were few registered Hispanic architects in El Paso, El Paso American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chapter and community partners approached universities for collaboration. Dr. Valerie Paton represented Texas Tech’s Provost’s Office in early articulation agreements and opening of the 2+2 program in 2007 and began conducting research on successful transfer pathways for Hispanic students, engaging six College of Education doctoral students in the research and publication and presentation of the findings. From inception, the partnership honored reciprocity and mutuality with the community partners sharing their vision and Tech responding. Together, the partners co-created new curriculum, student support, mentoring, internship, and student-led community engagement activities. Together, the partners wrote a collaborative grant application.