Category Archives: Community

STISD & TSTC Partner for Welding Program

e-Brief Features Education Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments
TSTC Welding Technology

Thanks to a new partnership, high school students from South Texas Independent School District’s Science Academy in Mercedes can now participate in a dual credit program in Welding Technology with Texas State Technical College. “The dual credit program pairs well with our hands-on approach to the engineering program of study,” said Vanessa Rivera, the school district’s career and technical education director. “We encourage our students to learn and earn stackable credentials…

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TSTC Electrical Lineworker Program Ranks Best in U.S.

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
TSTC Electrical Lineworker program

According to College Factual, Texas State Technical College has the Best Lineworker Associate Degree School in the United States for 2024.  College Factual, according to its website, was created to help students research colleges and careers. It gathers data from public and private sources, including the U.S. Department of Education.  “TSTC’s Abilene campus is home to the newest Electrical Lineworker and Management Technology program, offering students a top-tier education with…

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VIDA Helps Create New Life for Mom of Six

Community e-Brief Features Featured Healthcare News Non-Profit Comments
Clarissa Magaña

When friends of Weslaco resident Clarissa Magaña told her about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, her goal suddenly seemed more viable. Acceptance into VIDA would allow her to obtain the degree she always wanted. Earning an associate degree in nursing would also be an important lesson for this single mother’s six children. Already a licensed vocational nurse, Magaña longed to return to school to become a registered nurse. …

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RGV LEAD Connects Industry and Educational Leaders

Community Events e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
RGV LEAD

Linking Economic and Academic Development (RGV LEAD) will host the State of Education and Industry on Sept. 24, providing a platform for collaboration, discussion of Valley-area current and future workforce needs, and a showcase of partnerships that have a direct impact on students’ upward mobility. For more than 30 years, RGV LEAD has connected industry and educational leaders to address the workforce demands of the Rio Grande Valley. Our mission…

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STC Foundation To Host Annual Gala

e-Brief Features Education Events News Comments
Foundation Chair Bonnie Gonzalez addresses STC sponsors and donors during last year's inaugural Foundation Gala. (photo STC)

Since the inception of the South Texas College Foundation last year, it has given back nearly $500,000 to students in scholarships and funds to help create a college-going culture, especially among first-generation students, thanks to community sponsors and donors. With its second annual Foundation Gala on Oct. 16, the nonprofit organization is on the hunt for sponsors and donors at all levels, to help make this year’s event a success.…

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UTRGV Ranked No. 1 Texas University Again

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
UTRGV

For the second consecutive year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has been recognized as the No. 1 university in Texas, according to the latest Washington Monthly college guide and rankings. Recognized as a top-performing institution of higher education in the state among all institutions – private and public – UTRGV took the lead in the 2024 rankings. Texas A&M University came in second and Rice University, third. “We…

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BCIC Scores Five More International Accolades

Community e-Brief Features News Comments
Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is the recipient of five prestigious awards from the 2024 International Economic Development Council Excellence Awards. With these additional awards, BCIC is now the most awarded economic development organization in Rio Grande Valley history. BCIC will receive recognition at the IEDC 2024 Annual Conference in Denver, Colo. taking place Sept. 15-18. The Excellence in Economic Development Awards program covered 26 categories, scored by 163 judges.…

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Academy Program Links STC, Texas A&M

Education News Comments
The Texas A&M Engineering Academy saw enrollment more than triple from its first to second year of existence. (Courtesy)

A partnership with Texas A&M University is bringing the Aggie spirit to South Texas College students who aspire to be part of the university’s renowned engineering program.  The Texas A&M Engineering Academy at the STC McAllen campus is one of 10 such partnerships in Texas. The program links Texas A&M’s flagship campus in College Station with higher educational institutions around the state. The academy introduces A&M’s engineering program to first-…

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TSTC Honors Stone at Distinguished Alumni Gala

e-Brief Features Education Events News Comments
Joel Stone

Texas State Technical College will present its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Gala on Sept. 10, recognizing inspiring TSTC alumni who embody a legacy of success. Receiving the the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award is Joel Stone, an alumnus of the college’s Building Construction Technology program and now the chairman and CEO of construction company SpawGlass. Stone received his certificate of completion in 1984 when TSTC was Texas State Technical Institute. “TSTC has been a foundation in the…

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UTRGV and Pharr EDC Open Pharr Global Business Hub

Community e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Members of the Pharr EDC and UTRGV communities unveil a mural at the grand opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub on Aug. 15. (photo Paul Chouy, UTRGV)

UTRGV and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation have officially opened the doors of the Pharr Global Business Hub, designed to help bring in new businesses and strengthen current businesses in the Rio Grande Valley. The facility, a project four years in the making, will prioritize the creation and expansion of businesses and jobs in the city, along with key trainings. Dr. Magdalena Hinojosa, UTRGV senior vice president for Strategic Enrollment…

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