Firefighters are in steady and acute demand nationally as training requirements become more complex and those in the profession face risks to their mental and physical health. In the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College is expanding its fire academy regionally with plans to open a new training facility at its Mid-Valley campus in Weslaco. Some local school districts such as Harlingen CISD have established their own fire academies that…
McAllen Honors Clark Chevrolet Clark Chevrolet’s contributions to the city of McAllen were highlighted recently when the auto dealership was recognized as a SHINES Champion. McAllen SHINES is a community-wide civic pride and environmental initiative that focuses on promoting cleanliness, respect and responsibility among residents, businesses, and visitors. Among its key focus areas are honoring local businesses for their beautification efforts through mural creations and a commitment to keeping the…
The outdoor college graduations that became hallmarks of community life in Brownsville ended abruptly in late 2024. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen was not pleased when learning that UTRGV was moving all graduation ceremonies – including those of its Brownsville-based students – to Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg. What made it worse for the mayor was that he first heard of the move as “a rumor prior to the official announcement,”…
Isaias Pena stood out as a high school student when participating in welding competitions held at the Texas State Technical College campus in Harlingen. Pena represented La Joya High School and TSTC instructor Raul Saldivar recalls a student who was always a top three finisher in the SkillsUSA welding competitions. Pena’s attention to detail and the ability to visualize demonstrations and apply them to practical applications has always been evident,…
An elementary school rose on Edinburg’s east side in 1926 and its purpose during times of segregation was made clear. “The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District established Stephen F. Austin Grade School for Mexican students,” states a Texas Historical Commission plaque that was recently placed in front of the century-old school. “They chose a site at E. Kuhn and N. 21st Streets near many of Edinburg’s Mexican families.” Stephen F.…
The dean of South Texas College’s math and science programs sees a Rio Grande Valley emerging as a technology-driven region where education and workforce development must work together. “We have no other choice than educating our students about what is happening in our region,” said Ali Esmaeili, the STC dean, in a college media office report. “The growth in STEM is going to transform our region, but we haven’t scratched…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas ISD announced on Tuesday an enhanced partnership to explore the development of a new Collegiate High School. This collaboration expands on what began four years ago between UTRGV and South Texas ISD – the Expanded Collegiate Partnership, a dual-credit program developed to increase college accessibility for students across South Texas. Through the partnership, UTRGV has invested more than $6 million…
Mercedes ISD, Progreso ISD, Santa Rosa ISD and Vanguard Academy recently received a combined $1,940,000 in state funding through the Texas Education Agency’s Community Partnerships Grant. According to TEA, the funding supports significant improvements in educational and developmental outcomes for children by expanding access to wraparound services, strengthening family and community partnerships, and increasing access to academic supports. “Communities will soon have access to local and regional resources that will…
The Texas Workforce Commission is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a…
Educators and community leaders across the country are working to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields. The acronym for these fields is known as STEM and it is in these fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Nationally, women make up only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is most pronounced in engineering and computer science and highlights the…