Category Archives: Community

TWC Grant at Work in Cameron

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

Thanks to Skills for Small Business grants from the Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Texas State Technical College are working with local small businesses in Cameron County to help them have the trained personnel they need. The grants total $156,000 provide both professional training and development among small businesses. This will continue into 2019 training from TSTC which has helped more than a dozen small businesses since 2016.…

Read More

Local Colleges and ISDs Earn JET Grants

Education Featured News Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded 23 grants totaling $4,998,598 to public junior colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges and independent school districts for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program. Of note, eight of those grants went to local community colleges and school systems. “These grants will focus on advanced technical training, and will keep our Texas businesses…

Read More

South Texas College Hosts President’s Advisory Retreat

Education Featured Government Comments

Representatives from the RGV law enforcement community recently met for South Texas College’s first President’s Advisory Council Retreat. Here, leaders provided regular input and recommendations for professional continuing education and degree programs. Law enforcement is coordinating with STC to develop an action plan as the STC Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence gets underway. Earlier this year, STC President Shirley A. Reed extended an invitation to leaders of the law enforcement…

Read More

TSTC Cyber Defense a Center of Excellence

Education Featured Technology Comments
TSTC-Cyber Defense

Computer Networking and Security Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen is celebrating a unique national distinction. The program is now a Center of Excellence for Cyber Defense for two-year education programs. The recognition comes from the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense recognizes and grants designations to institutions that offer rigorous degree programs in information security. “Your…

Read More

STC Receives Economic Development Grant

Education Featured News Comments

South Texas College and the Starr County Industrial Foundation are the recipients of a $100,000 federal planning grant from the Economic Development Administration. STC Director of Grant Development, Management and Compliance Virginia Champion says the grant will support the college and the SCIF’s interest in the development of a current Asset Map of Starr County. It will also facilitate a Strategic Planning Conference with key leaders and stakeholders. Vice-Chair of…

Read More

UTRGV a “Best Bang for the Buck”

Education News Comments
UTRGV Best Bang for the Buck

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is on the list of schools in the Best Bang for the Buck by the online magazine Washington Monthly. The university ranks seventh out of 50 in the Southern Colleges category. According to the magazine, the Best Bang listing is an “exclusive list of schools that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.” The ranking analyzed 21 categories to determine the listings. “We are extremely…

Read More

STEP UP Expands Teacher Training in Area

Education Featured News Comments
On Aug. 9, STEP UP and McAllen ISD celebrated the new partnership with a meet-and-greet function. (Courtesy photo)

Teacher candidates from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley now have a two new homes for training with experienced cooperating teachers, With the upcoming fall semester, those in the university’s Student Teacher Education Preparation University Partnership will be joining classrooms in both McAllen and Los Fresnos ISD. As part of STEP UP‘s goal in expanding and assisting future teachers in the Valley, teacher candidates will work with experienced teachers also to learn and…

Read More

UTRGV Launches Addiction Studies Online

Education Healthcare News Comments
Bruce Reed, UTRGV professor of rehabilitation services and counseling and director of the School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling

With the start of classes on Aug. 27, the UTRGV School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling will offer a new bachelor of science degree in Addiction Studies completely online. The degree program meets all education requirements for positions as a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Texas. “For professionals already working in the substance abuse field, this provides a flexible way to earn a degree and advance in careers,” said Bruce Reed. Reed serves as both…

Read More

TSTC Receives Toyota Donation

Education Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments
TSTC Toyota donation

Texas State Technical College’s Mechatronics Technology students will soon have labs equipped with two robotic arms to program and maintain as part of their hands-on training, thanks to Toyota. “Toyota’s donation is really important for our college, our program and our students,” said Lead Mechatronics instructor Eldwin Leija. “This allows us to expand our training and create more marketable graduates.” The donated robotic arms have built more than two million…

Read More

Mission Chamber Supplies Backpacks

Education Events Featured News Comments

More than 2,000 backpacks complete with school supplies have made their way to Mission Consolidated Independent School District thanks in part to the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. The backpacks made their way into the hands of students Aug. 2 at Veterans Memorial High School during a Back to School Bash. More than 4,000 people, including students and families, were in attendance for the event. Offerings also included free haircuts, free eye screenings,…

Read More