The deadline to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is Saturday, June 22nd. To assist students with this and other registration processes, Advising, Admission and Financial Aid Centers will be open this Saturday, June 22nd from 9 am to noon at our Pecan, Starr County and Mid-Valley campuses.  

Registration for the upcoming Summer II semester is underway.  Classes begin on July 8th.

For more information visit discover.southtexascollege.edu, call 956-872-8311 or visit a Financial Aid Office located at all fives of STC’s campus locations.  

Pecan Campus

Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 7 pm

Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday (Advising, Admissions & Financial Aid Center): 9 am – 12 pm

Technology Campus

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Mid-Valley Campus

Monday – Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm

Thursday & Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday (Advising, Admissions & Financial Aid Center): 9 am – 12 pm

Starr County Campus

Monday – Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm

Thursday & Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday (Advising, Admissions & Financial Aid Center): 9 am – 12 pm

Nursing & Allied Health Campus

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

South Texas College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program continues to exceed national standards for the 15th year in a row.

From 2010 to 2013, the overall passing rate of OTA graduates who have taken the national certification exam and have passed it on the first try is 100%. The national passing rate standard is 80%.

“We have high expectations for all our students,” said Espy Brattin, Occupational Therapy Program Chair and Instructor. “We continuously work to guide and train them to meet and surpass industry standards.”

OTA students are trained to assist patients in developing life skills. Students learn to provide services with the ultimate goal of increasing patient independence within daily functions. Therapy recipients are those who have encountered problems that interfere with their ability to function in any stage of their development.

Students must complete all capstone coursework with a passing grade to be eligible for graduation from the OTA program. Graduates of the program are also required to pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy before they can request a license to practice in the state of Texas. The majority of the graduates are employed in the Hidalgo County area.

The Occupational Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). In 2004, the program achieved the most prestigious re-accreditation recognition from ACOTE for a 10 year period. The OTA Program was also granted exemplary status from the Texas High Education Coordinating Board in 2007.

For more information on the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program and other Nursing and Allied Health programs at STC, contact the Division of Nursing and Allied Health at (956) 872-3161 or visit nah.southtexascollege.edu.

South Texas College graduate Valeria Salinas was awarded the Second Annual Starr County Campus Psychology Club Scholarship award on May 9, 2013 during the Starr County Campus Commencement Ceremony at the campus’ Amphitheater in Rio Grande City. From left, STC Starr County Campus Administrator Dr. Arturo Montiel, STC Psychology Instructor and Psychology Club Adviser Alex Sarabia, STC Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez, Psychology Club scholarship recipient Valeria Salinas, STC President Shirley A. Reed, and STC Psychology Instructor and Psychology Club Adviser Eli Sarabia.

South Texas College elementary education major Valeria Salinas was awarded the Second Annual Psychology Club Scholarship on May 9 at the spring 2013 STC Starr County Campus Commencement Ceremony.

A few days after receiving the $1,000 scholarship award, the Rio Grande City High School alumna walked across the stage at State Farm Arena in Hidalgo and received her Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education.

“There are no words to describe the happiness that I felt when I got the scholarship,” said Salinas. “Being the recipient makes me feel proud of myself and my accomplishments. I appreciate my Psychology Club advisers Mr. Alex Sarabia and Mr. Eli Sarabia for believing in me.”

Salinas plans to put the scholarship to good use and continue her education at The University of Texas-Pan American, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree to become an elementary school teacher.

To be eligible for the scholarship, which has been awarded at the end of the past two spring semesters, applicants had to meet several qualifying criteria such as being an active member of the Psychology Club, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit an official school transcript, resume and essay about future academic and professional goals.

Salinas met and exceeded the requirements.

At STC, Salinas was an honor’s student and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She was also an active member of the Psychology Club as the organization’s Social Media Manager. Salinas was also part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

“Valeria is a very deserving Psychology Club Scholarship recipient, as demonstrated by her perfect 4.0 GPA, as well as by her leadership and social skills, and her commitment to the Psychology Club, STC and other community events,” said STC Psychology Instructor and Psychology Club Adviser Alex Sarabia. “She is a true student leader and has high goals for her future.”

For more information about the STC Psychology Club or the scholarship, contact Alex Sarabia at asarabia1@southtexascollege.edu or 956-973-7639.

STC Dean for Business & Technology Mario Reyna, STC PMT Instructor Esmeralda Adame and STC PMT Program Chair Daniel Morales showcase the NIMS accreditation plaque in the Technology Campus Machine Lab.

Keeping up with today’s standards, South Texas College (STC) has renewed the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Accreditation of their Precision Manufacturing Technology (PMT) Program as of Thursday, May 9, 2013. This is the school’s second time establishing itself as a NIMS-Accredited institution, as it first set this benchmark in 2007. NIMS applauds South Texas College for its continued commitment to meeting National Industry Standards for metalworking skills training.

“NIMS Credentialed Manufacturing Programs are held to high standards for quality and safety inside and outside of the classroom,” explains STC PMT Program Chair Daniel Morales. “We have worked very diligently to maintain and exceed the NIMS standards.” In May 2013, NIMS Evaluator Gail Houser (NTMA) conducted a rigorous On-Site Evaluation at the facility in McAllen. Highly complementary of the program, in his evaluation Houser noted the program’s significant support received from administration, funding, and in clearly established goals for educators, students, and industry. In particular he noted that the instructional staff as “well trained, knowledgeable, and motivated.” He also gave the program top ratings in several areas of evaluation, including Program Purpose and Administration Support.

“Our students graduate with not only a Certificate and/or Associates degree but with the several NIMS certifications as well,” said Morales. “These credentials signal to employers that our graduates are good candidates to hire.” This accreditation is in Level I Machining Skills, with an emphasis on measurement, materials & safety, job planning, benchwork, & layout, milling I (manual) and drill press I. “The manufacturing community has played a key role in the accreditation process,” said STC Dean for Business and Technology Mario Reyna. “They serve in the Precision Manufacturing Advisory Committee who provide curriculum guidance and Metalworking Technical Evaluation Committee who are voluntaries from the manufacturing industry that serve as agents for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills to review all the projects submitted for credential by our students.”

NIMS has extended their congratulations to everyone involved in this accreditation renewal, especially PMT Program Chair Daniel Morales for coordinating the efforts of the faculty and staff in meeting the requirements for renewal. To learn more about this program, call (956) 872-6224 or visit http://careers.southtexascollege.edu/2012/09/07/precision-manufacturing-technology.

Melissa Leon & STC Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives Kristina Wilson pose for a photo after showing the winning video to STC Board Members and guests at the Pecan Campus.

Achieving the Dream announced South Texas College student Melissa Leon as the winner of their DREAM Big for College and Your Future video competition on Wednesday, December 5, 2012. Leon’s video, Excelling in a Foreign Country, followed the competition’s criteria by creatively displaying her dream job and how STC helped her to achieve her goals and aspirations.  “STC has been supporting me since the day I moved to this country and had to learn an entirely new language,” stated Leon.  “Today, I am in two honor societies and taking honor classes. Because of all their help I believe I have the potential to reach my dreams of developing a mental health center.” Leon’s video was one of 131 submissions in the competition.  As the 1^st place winner, she received a $1500 scholarship that will come in handy as she continues to fulfill her educational dreams.  “I was really surprised when I found out that I had won the scholarship,” said Leon. “This experience has helped my confidence, and I know that feeling will stay with me as I continue on to a four-year university.”  Achieving the Dream, Inc. is a national nonprofit that is leading the nation’s most comprehensive non-governmental reform network for community college student success in higher education history.  To view Excelling in a Foreign Country, visit http://dreambig.maker.good.is/projects/melissaleon or http://youtu.be/iCHcUNANaZU.

 STC’s graduation ceremonies brought students from its five campuses located throughout Hidalgo and Starr counties together to celebrate their achievements as a unified body.  The Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco, the Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City, and the Pecan, Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Nursing and Allied Health, and Technology campuses in McAllen, continue to produce graduates who overwhelmingly choose to stay, work and contribute to the economic growth of the South Texas region. 

“It feels like a huge accomplishment receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer & Information Technology,” said Pascual Trevino.  “It was challenging and I’m glad I was able to get passed it.  Now I’m going for a master’s degree.” Pascual was one of 141 students who received their bachelor’s degree from STC. 

STC’s dual enrollment students also had the opportunity to participate in the graduation ceremonies. “It feels good to be graduating with an associate’s degree because I’m still in high school,” said PSJA Memorial senior Sarah Marie Martinez. “It was hard and I had some sleepless nights, but I think it paid off in the end.”

“Because of STC’s commitment to creating a college-going and completion culture, 961 of our 4,400 STC graduates have earned their college degree or certificate while still in high school,” explains STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “This is a testimony to the powerful impact of STC providing tuition free dual enrollment whereby high school students are earning college credit while still in high school.”

For more information on South Texas College including enrollment for Summer 2013 and even Fall 2013 semesters, visit www.southtexascollege.edu or call 956.872.8311. Summer classes begin June 3 and July 8.

About Javier:

Running three miles a day and training as a professional mixed martial arts fighter does not stop Javier from excelling academically. Javier is currently earning an associate’s degree in secondary education from South Texas College where he is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

“I was working hard but I knew I had to continue my education,” Javier said. “The flexible schedule STC offers with mini-mesters and online courses was really the deciding factor in me choosing a college.”

Javier was born in Iowa and graduated from West Liberty High School in 2009. In 2011, he decided to move to the Rio Grande Valley where he had family to get a fresh start.

In Iowa, Javier began as an amateur mixed martial arts fighter. After moving to the Rio Grande Valley, he took his training regimen to the next level and joined the South Texas Fighting Championship (STFC). Javier had his first professional match in December of 2012.

“In a sport like this, you have to be very passionate,” he said. “If you don’t go in with a full heart, you won’t perform well and can get seriously hurt.”

Javier’s biggest dream is to complete a bachelor’s degree in education at UTPA and become a UFC or Bellator MMA fighter. His goals also include eventually becoming an educator and a coach.

“My family inspires me,” Javier expressed. “They’ve always been hard workers. Although life is tough at times, they are always successful in achieving their goals. That motivates me.”

In his spare time, Javier enjoys watching and playing sports including football and basketball. He is also involved with the STC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club and the STC Boxing Club.

Top three accomplishments:
“Winning the Iowa state debate championship with my high school agriculture issues team. Our team put a lot of time and effort into researching topics and practicing our presentation. It felt good to be rewarded for our hard work.”

“Being an Iowa wrestling state runner up. It’s a big tournament and an honor just to make it. Being in the finals match was a goal I set entering high school. It felt good to accomplish it.”

“Becoming a professional mixed martial arts fighter. It’s important to me because of all the hard work I put into the gym. It’s rewarding to see the results.”

What sets you apart from other students?
“My time management skills. Balancing a full-time academic schedule with part-time work and mixed martial arts training is not an easy task. I’m dedicated to getting my education but still focused on putting in hours at the gym.”

Pecan Campus

Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 7 pm

Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday (Advising, Admissions & Financial Aid Center): 9 am – 12 pm

Technology Campus

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Mid-Valley Campus

Monday – Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm

Thursday & Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday (Advising, Admissions & Financial Aid Center): 9 am – 12 pm

Starr County Campus

Monday – Wednesday: 8 am – 6 pm

Thursday & Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

Saturday (Advising, Admissions & Financial Aid Center): 9 am – 12 pm

Nursing & Allied Health Campus

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 5 pm

The college will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observation of Memorial Day and again on Thursday, July 4 in observation of Independence Day.

Summer registration is open now until June 3. Summer classes begin on Monday, June 3. Summer Sessions I & III courses are in session from June 3 to July 3. Summer II courses are in session from July 8 to August 7.

Fall 2013 registration is also open now until August 26. To learn more visit discover.southtexascollege.edu, call 1-800-742-7822 or visit your local STC campus.