South Texas College continues expanding its international partnerships with two more International Concurrent Enrollment agreements between schools in Matamoros and Reynosa.

In recent signing events, St. George Prep School and Instituto Piaget Reynosa are giving their students the chance to pursue a college education while simultaneously finishing their high school diplomas.

These U.S./Mexico partnerships are critical to the economic development of the region. STC officials feel it could be the answer to skilled labor shortages in the Rio Grande Valley.

“With these partnerships we are opening doors of opportunity for students … we’re planting the seed of a postsecondary education and promoting college readiness. We’re transforming education,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis. “We’re breaking barriers and creating bold solutions that will positively impact families and our region. No one in the nation is doing what we’re doing. South Texas College is taking the lead in regionalization.”

Opening Opportunities

Under Solis’ leadership, STC has set forth an international initiative led by Global Market Development Manager Luisa Fernanda Rodriguez to provide higher education and industry training to schools and manufacturers across the border.

“This collaboration aims to provide Mexican high school students with a smooth transition into the American education system,” said Rodriguez. “Transferring to a university in the United States can take much work for any student, but with an early introduction to the college experience, a student’s transition will be smooth and lead to success.”

Students from Mexico have access to an affordable education through partnerships with STC. Through remote, online learning they receive a head start in pursuing a certificate or associate degree that leads to a high-paying career or the chance to transfer to a four-year university.

Mutual Benefits

St. George Prep School Executive Director Jorge Almanza said their students are always looking for educational opportunities in the United States. This chance to work with STC has been invaluable.

“When we found out about Dr. Solis creating international partnerships, we knew we needed to take this initiative,” said Almanza. “This is going to help our students experience college early on, get their feet wet; this is education that they can afford, and this will help them fast track their college careers. This is a game changer for our students and we’re very grateful and thrilled to be in this partnership.”

Additionally, Karla Maldonado, director of Instituto Piaget Reynosa agrees that this partnership is going to open many doors for her students.

“This is the first time we work with STC and we’re so happy to be here. This is a great opportunity for our students, for any students from Mexico,” she said. “It’s important that our students get this experience. This is a new advancement for our school, especially to be partnered with such a high caliber school.”

Ultimately, Rodriguez said that coordinating alliances and binational collaboration agreements will help STC and the South Texas region, strengthen institutional links between academia, government and the private sector.