Nearly 200 workforce leaders and educators from across the state recently gathered for South Texas College’s second annual Workforce Summit. The event provided attendees an understanding of how STC is impacting the region and its workforce while also serving as a chance to engage the community and seek input on current workforce needs. “The future of tomorrow is here today,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis. “We are the college…
UTRGV and the City of Edinburg are hosting The Wall that Heals, a 375-foot-long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall now through April 23 at the Ebony Hills Golf Course. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund chose Edinburg as a stop on the 2023 national The Wall That Heals tour. It includes the three-quarter scale replica wall and a mobile Education Center exhibit that tells the story of the Vietnam War,…
Highly skilled aircraft technicians are in short supply, and the aviation maintenance program at Texas State Technical College is training students in an effort to meet demand for them across Texas. Isaac Pena of Rio Grande City is a second-semester Aircraft Powerplant Technology student at TSTC. He said the technician shortage creates a promising outlook for upcoming aviation maintenance graduates. “It’s beneficial because there’s more demand, opportunities and potentially increased pay,” he said. “As I’m…
Leadership Edinburg Class XXXIV will host a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser “Derby at the Depot” on May 6, transporting guests to the world-famous horse race. Organizers say the event promises to be an exciting and entertaining afternoon. The fundraiser will feature a live screening of the Kentucky Derby, along with a silent auction, raffle and live music. Food and drinks, including traditional Mint Juleps, are on the menu. Attendees are encouraged to…
Standout students enrolled in Career and Technical programs at South Texas College have received a significant financial boost through the annual John G. and Maria Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation grant. Fifteen students have each been awarded $1,000 in scholarships, which for the last 13 years have helped to cover the cost of courses as well as the purchase of tools and equipment. To qualify, students are required to submit impactful…
For the past 10 months, the City of McAllen has been developing an updated comprehensive plan, by hosting community meetings and online surveys and asking for input from residents, businesses, community stakeholders and others. The draft plan is now final and the community is once again invited to give feedback on what is being proposed for McAllen’s future growth and development for the next 20 to 30 years. Areas up…
The Texas Workforce Commission is rolling out a new initiative named Upskill Texas to help businesses with 100 employees or more train their workforce. TWC has approved $5 million in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for the pilot program. It is inviting businesses to take advantage of the opportunity to provide technical training to their employees. “This opportunity invests in both the Texas workforce and businesses by guaranteeing that…
A TSA Precheck Pop-up Enrollment event will take place at McAllen Miller International Airport from May 8-12. The Transportation Security Administration program allows airline passengers a smoother screening process with no need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops or light jackets. The event’s daily hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. In order to participate in this local enrollment event, applicants must follow these steps to pre-enroll: Access…
South Texas College is introducing a new program that will give students highly coveted and marketable skills that will help them get job placement in the industrial maintenance and repair field. The program is all in thanks to the Texas Workforce Commission Texas Talent Connection Grant. The $254,167 will fund scholarships for 76 individuals from high school students to adults to enter STC’s brand new Maintenance and Repair Program for…
VBR is kicking off a series with SCORE, a nonprofit organization fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops. The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors helps small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow. In this SCORE Q&A, we hear from Pete Carvell, a SCORE mentor, leader and past district director. Q: What are some options in financing a small business? A: There are several ways to…