Gonzales is part of an extraordinary team of professors that recently won the prestigious Herbert Feis Award for Public History from the American Historical Association for its work on Refusing to Forget (RTF), a nonprofit that tells the history of state-sanctioned killings of Mexicans and Mexican Americans during the 1910s. It is estimated that several thousand lives were lost, yet until RTF, this history was not widely known.

Gonzales has a personal connection to the tragedy that fuels his passion for bringing this history to light: both his great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather were victims of the racial violence by Texas Rangers.

Growing up, he heard about these killings from his parents, but he never heard the term Matanza in reference to that period of history. The term refers to the killing of an estimated 300 Mexicans and Mexican Americans from July to November of 1915 in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the epicenter of this horrific history.

While working on his dissertation on intra-ethnic identity and the history of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, he had a “chilling moment.” His research uncovered an editorial from 1929 denouncing a Hidalgo County Sheriff for his involvement in La Matanza.

“He started listing names,” recalls Gonzales. “I went down to the next paragraph and went, ‘wait a minute—did he just say my family's name?’ And it was there in black and white.” Reconfirming that members of his family had been victims in the massacre was a moment that changed the course of his research and his life. He knew there were unknown histories that needed to find a voice.

His commitment to revealing this lost history took a turn in 2013, after Gonzales had been a professor at STC for many years. The 100-year anniversary of La Matanza was coming up, and he was invited to join RTF and present this history to the public.

“We did not want the misrepresentation of that history, which is basically criminalizing the victims and saying they are at fault for why they got killed,” says Gonzales. It was time to get the word out and pay respects to those who were killed and their descendants.

At the onset, the RTF team didn’t know if they were going to be successful. All they knew for certain is that “we weren’t just going to stay quiet,” says Gonzales. They were braced for struggle, but thankfully, the Bullock History Museum and the public were hungry for a more accurate and inclusive history of Texas.

And so plans for the exhibit “Life and Death on the Border” began at full-speed. The very first museum exhibit on La Matanza’s history displayed personal artifacts that helped make the loss of lives concrete for visitors. The first room documented life on the border; the second, the history of La Matanza; and the final room showcased the history of resisting racism throughout the 20th century.

It was the first time the state publicly addressed La Matanza. The display was available to the public from January to April of 2016, and more than 40,000 visitors flocked to the exhibit. It went on to win two awards: the 2016 Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), and the Western Historical Association’s 2017 Autry Public History Prize.

Its most recent accolade, the Herbert Feis Award, celebrates the exhibit, as well as important milestones that the project accomplished in launching this history into the public eye. Achievements include the placing of four state historical markers, which memorialize La Matanza, the Bazan and Longoria Murder, the Porvenir Massacre, and activist Jovita Idar. At the unveiling ceremonies, descendants were honored for working toward justice in the face of adversity.

“The marker that we thought would never get accepted was the first one accepted… the Matanza marker,” recalls Gonzales. The monument specifically denotes that the often-idealized Texas Rangers were responsible for these killings. Says Gonzales, “I guess we were lucky that there's this moment that people wanted an inclusive history developing at the time we were pushing forward this history that we felt needed to be told.”

And now, the story is being told all over the world. Gonzales has been interviewed by the BBC, a Dutch newspaper, CNN, and other outlets. Soon, presentations from the project’s “Reverberations of Memory, Violence, and History: A Conference for the Centennial of the 1919 Canales Investigation” will be made into a book with the University of Texas Press. There are also plans to develop a new exhibit in Brownsville in the coming year.

Gonzales hopes that the history will continue to spread and educate the public about racism. In light of the recent, horrific El Paso shooting, Gonzales believes the way forward is to continue unpacking and dismantling hatred by addressing the history of racial violence.

“You cannot defeat an ideology,” he says. “You can’t do it by taking guns away from people, and you can't do it by increasing law enforcement. Ideas have to be dealt with. And they're dealt with through education.”

Gonzales takes his passion for inclusive and accurate history into his classroom, where he sets aside time specifically to focus on Lower Rio Grande Valley history.

“A lot of students don't realize the significance of the area’s history to the development of the United States and other world events. And so they have been brought up with a negative view of the community and its place within the United States,” says Gonzales, who is working hard to change that. After all, according to Gonzales, many major historic Latino civil rights organizations come from South Texas. He hopes his students can become future leaders too.

“Why wasn't I taught this in high school?” his students often ask him. And that is where history and politics intersect.

“If your community's history is not presented within the official textbooks and lesson plans, that's a value statement of how your community is currently viewed within the world,” Gonzales says. That’s why part of Gonzales’s lifelong work is to get underrepresented histories included in history books.

Gonzales was recently involved in the five-year fight to get state standards for high school Mexican-American history classes. Part of this was helping to reject a proposed racist textbook of Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Working with about 15 other scholars, Gonzales led the way in assessing the book for factual errors. They testified against it three years ago in front of the State Board of Education.

“Tuesday we testified, [the book] got rejected, and then that Friday, I got married,” recalls Gonzales. “My wife goes, ‘You're talking more about this textbook than our impending marriage!’”

The historically inaccurate textbook had garnered plenty of media attention, and by the time it was rejected, at least 15 civil rights organizations, including MALDEF and LULAC, came together to push for the creation of a Mexican American Studies class, which finally premiered this year.

The journey has also opened the door to other histories that have been underrepresented, including the recently adopted African American Studies class. Educators are creating Indigenous and Asian and Pacific Islander Studies courses as well, which will be presented to the State Board in the coming years.

“We all knew internally that it wasn't just simply a fight for Mexican American studies,” says Gonzales. “It is also a fight to open up all studies that should be included in high school education.”

As Gonzales continues his crucial work at South Texas College and beyond, he knows the power of education can empower his students to change the world.

“I know what it is to be a bad student, and I know what it is to make the Dean's list,” Gonzales relates, remembering how he struggled in his first semester in college, when he received three Ds and, ironically, an F in history. “I was also the first in my family to go to college, so like them [STC students], I understand where they're coming from.”

Gonzales loves working at STC, where he feels like he can truly make a difference in students’ lives.

“South Texas College is a great place to work and teach, particularly if you want to work with students who are the first generation to go to college,” Gonzales says. “This college is one of the top colleges that increases economic mobility with its students.”

On multiple fronts, Gonzales knows that “if you want to make an impact, this is the place.”

Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) programs funded by TWC provide English language, math, reading, and writing instruction to help students acquire the skills needed in the workforce, earn a high school equivalency, or enter college or career training.

STC was presented with TWC’s award for Adult Education Employer Partnerships, recognizing AEL provider efforts in building and expanding partnerships between employers and the AEL program.

Olivia De La Rosa, director of Continuing Professional and Workforce Education (CPWE) and Dr. Carlos Margo, associate dean of Industry Training and Economic Development, attended the 23^rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held in Grapevine, Texas on behalf of the college Dec 4-6.

“The award was partnership we built with employers through grants we have received through TWC,” De La Rosa said. “In the past year we have worked with large businesses like DHR, and we have served over 61 small businesses through these grants.

“It was very nice to be recognized for the work we do to help these employers,” De La Rosa said.

The 2019 conference, cohosted with the Texas chapter of the International Association of Workforce Professionals, served as a hub for information exchange, groundbreaking concepts, and state-of-the-art methods that affect the entire state.

The conference included over 1400 state and national workforce professionals, members and staff from all 28 Local Workforce Development Boards as well as economic development professionals, state and federal staff, and partners in the workforce system.

“The award was for excellence in adult literacy,” Margo said. “I know several colleges received awards with regards to their efforts and this was specifically with the work and grants that Olivia has received in continuing education.”

STC is the first border community college in the nation to establish integrative training for local, state and federal professionals in law enforcement, public safety, fire safety, and homeland security along with the US/Mexico border.

The President’s Advisory Council meeting was organized to identify strategies that will be used in the development of the college’s 2020 RCPSE training implementation plan. The Council serves as the principal means to develop advanced training programs at the RCPSE and to ensure that those programs remain current with evolving technology.

Moroles said the College has embarked on a training program to develop courses most needed by law enforcement. This includes additional training in digital technology and DNA testing in the coming year, he said.

“The whole point of the (President’s Advisory) meeting is to come together and share ideas and talk about the priorities for law enforcement, and I think that at the end of the day, there were some suggestions and training that they would like to see," Moroles said. “We are going to go forward with that and see if we can find the right instructors and bring those courses to our law enforcement professionals.”

Over the course of one year STC’s RCPSE trainings included basic TCOLE mandated courses and specialized courses in interview and interrogation, media and public relations to help PIOs, advanced communication for hostage negotiators, and a collaboration with FBI LEEDA which brought two supervisory courses for law enforcement.

Current goals of the RCPSE include prioritizing the most sought after instruction required by federal, state, county, municipal, and school district law enforcement, further developing partnerships with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and assisting agencies in recruiting future law enforcement officers.

“This has not been an easy adventure,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed who addressed members of the Advisory Council and guests at the Nov. 19 meeting. “It has been about developing our vision based on what law enforcement feels is really needed in our region.”

In 2018, STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed extended an invitation to regional leaders in the law enforcement community to participate on the Advisory Council in order to provide recommendations for professional continuing education and college degree programs.

Attendance at the Advisory Council meeting included law enforcement from various federal, state, and local agencies. Key guests at the meeting included Frank Stewart, division chief for mission readiness operations with the U.S. Border Patrol - RGV sector; Cesar Zambrano, resident agent in charge for ATF; and Victor Escalon, regional director for DPS.

The $71.28 million long-range master plan is on a 64-acre site, in Pharr, Texas with additional acres available for future expansion. The Master Plan includes 534,385 square feet of buildings, target range, emergency vehicles operational course, and fire science structures to be completed in three phases over the next decade.

In the aftermath of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of his wife, mother-in-law and young son, Powell said he was determined to be strong for his surviving family members and earn a degree he had worked for years to receive.

On the evening of Aug. 9, 2018 a driver allegedly veered into oncoming traffic striking a vehicle containing Powell’s family members. The accident killed his wife, mother in law, and 3-year-old son Joshua.

Powell is finding the strength and inspiration to persevere in their honor.

Now set to walk across the stage to earn his Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership (BASOL) degree, Powell says he hopes his story can inspire his surviving family members or even other students enduring similar circumstances to help them reach their dreams.

“Frankly, I did it so that they know that even with kids that you can still continue your education, and I continue for them because if I can do it, they can do it,” Powell said. “I just want to thank the BASOL leadership and Dr. (Emma) Miller because they didn't have to help me like they did.”

The situation left Powell struggling to balance his education, and prompted him to take time off to take care of his family while the case entered the courts.

STC faculty however refused to let him quit.

“They even held an office fundraiser for me. I don't think any other college or university would have done that,” Powell said. “I was dropping out because of this family emergency but they welcomed me immediately back and she (Miller) personally even helped me get my affairs in order so I could continue learning.

“I had my struggles, but the administration at STC and especially those in the BASOL program helped me reintegrate back into my studies as seamlessly as possible,” Powell said.

Powell, an Army veteran, is currently employed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as an information technology specialist. Beginning with CBP as a mission support specialist right after leaving the military, Powell says entering a career in technology has been a longtime goal.

He first entered STC in the spring of 2011, and taking a few classes each semester eventually earned an associate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2015. Deciding to continue his education, Powell is now set to walk across the stage in December.

BASOL instructor Dr. Emma Miller says she was moved to help Powell following her own personal tragedy through college. Her experiences, she says, have given her the understanding of students and their many challenges as they pursue their degree.

“I also had a tragedy while attending school so I know how it feels,” Dr. Miller said “I know he (Powell) is doing it for himself, for the family he lost, and his current family.

“Because he was able to persevere and overcome, I know he’s going to provide an even better life for his family,” Dr. Miller said.

Looking to the future, Powell says he hopes to earn a master’s degree in Homeland Security Studies and looks forward to moving up with CBP.

“I guess just because life happens doesn't mean you have to stop your education,” Powell said. “You keep going and keep doing it no matter what the struggle is. Even if it's like me where it was one or two classes at a time, eventually you'll do it, you'll get it done.

“You don't give up on your goals,” he said. “You just build on it every day, and you do something productive to put you towards that goal. Eventually you'll get there.”

ACEN is a prestigious national accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for nursing education programs in the United States.

The designation makes STC’s ADN Program the only ACEN-accredited program in the Rio Grande Valley region.

“Accreditation is a status which shows the public that the program has met a high level of standards set by the accrediting agency, which is the ACEN,” said ADN Department Chair Dr. Christie Candelaria. “It takes a village and a culture, the STC way, to achieve and maintain excellence in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.”

For students, accreditation is extremely important as it is required for admission to many undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, as well as by some state regulatory agencies or employers.

The designation by ACEN is also a beacon for employers seeking graduates who are competent healthcare practitioners from a top-level nursing program, according to administrators at STC.

“Working for the ACEN has been a collaborative effort between STC administration, NAH leadership, ADN faculty, staff, students, and support services,” said NAH Dean Dr. Jayson Valerio. “This has been the epitome of collaboration from the candidacy process, to the site visit, the Evaluation Review Panel, until the final approval of the Board of Commissioners.”

The Evaluation Review Panel (ERP) reviewed and deliberated the site visit report (SVR) in July and recommended the ADN Program for accreditation to the Board of Commissioners (BOC). On Sept. 10-12, the BOC reviewed and deliberated on the ERP’s recommendation. On Oct. 15 the ADN Program received the official notification of accreditation.

Accreditation standards and criteria for academic quality needed to be met adequately to obtain accreditation. Among the benchmarks considered by ERP, STC was evaluated on its mission and administrative capacity, faculty and staff, students, curriculum, resources, and outcomes.

Site visitors had excellent remarks, including but not limited to, the organization of the visit, the remarkable simulation facility, the hospitality, accommodations they received as well as meeting with the “best students they have ever encountered”, according to STC administrators.

“South Texas College has stepped up to meet the quality of healthcare, which is increasing each and every day in our region,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “The expectations for healthcare are already very high, and the college is ready to meet that public expectation by ensuring that our nursing program has only the best accreditation, ensuring excellence to other institutions and employers.”

Benavidez looks ahead to her continued role with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) as the Board of Directors’ first Latina to serve in the executive committee, representing the Western Region that includes the Rio Grande Valley and the state of Texas.

Trustee Benavidez follows in the footsteps of her father, the late Manuel Benavidez, who as a founding STC trustee served as chair of ACCT’s Diversity Committee and received the ACCT Lifetime Membership Award for exemplary leadership in 2005.

Benavidez was first elected to the Board of ACCT in 2017 representing the ACCT’s Western Region, and like her father is also a former Chair of its Board Diversity Committee. She also currently serves as the Vice-President of the Association of Latino Community College Trustees.

“As a native of Starr County and President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, I have witnessed the challenges involved in overcoming high unemployment and poverty levels,” Benavidez said. “To that end and motivated by the power of education and the spirit of public service, I have worked to reduce many of these obstacles by dedicating my professional career to developing the local economy, improving access to education and creating job opportunities.”

“I am honored to be a voice for those in our minority communities that often face a lifetime of disadvantage and help maintain the shared effort of offering them an accessible lifeline to achievement,” Benavidez said.

ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. Located in Washington, D.C., ACCT is a major voice of community college trustees reaching the President of the United States, U.S. Congress, and the Departments of Education and Labor.

The organization educates community and technical college trustees through annual conferences focused on leadership development and advocacy, as well as through publications and online and face-to-face institutes and seminars.

“South Texas College is honored to continue to have a voice on a very prestigious Board of Directors that advocates for the unique demands and needs of our students and Latino community,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “I believe the Board will truly benefit through Trustee Benavidez’s vision, which has been evident by her tireless efforts to improve communities in Starr County and the region.”

Benavidez is currently serving her second full term as the Vice Chair on STC’s Board of Trustees, which represents seven districts in Hidalgo and Starr Counties.

Trustee Benavidez has served on the board for Starr County since November 2009. Her constituents have recognized her as a tireless advocate for Starr as she was re-elected to a second term in May 2012 and then a third term in May 2018.

She chaired the Board during its November 2013 Bond and Maintenance Tax Election, and through her constituents in Starr County and their strong support, were instrumental in seeing the bond and the maintenance tax increase approved.

In her working life, she currently serves as President of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, a non-profit organization founded and supported by local government and business leaders committed to developing the local economy.

Leaders with the Dual Credit Programs say they should have an answer by May 2020 about its accreditation with NACEP, a rigorous two-year process that will enable STC to become a model for all dual credit programs across the nation.

NACEP is the sole national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships, and represents best practices of educational partnerships as well as a guarantee that an institution has met rigorous national standards.

“We are one of two schools in the state of Texas who submitted an application, and we are seeking to be the first in Texas to receive this accreditation. It’s one of the key initiatives on the horizon for us,” said Dr. Rebecca De Leon, Dean of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships at STC.

“I believe it’s very exciting when a new academic year kicks off,” De Leon said. “It’s all about assessing where we were previously, and now determining what needs to be done to continue moving forward. It’s all for our students.”

STC held its annual Superintendents Leadership Meeting on Friday, Sept. 13. The event was a roundtable-style meeting with STC administrators and Valley leaders from collaborating school districts to prepare for the school year ahead.

The roundtable meeting included four superintendents, five assistant superintendents, and more than 12 directors, deans, and chief academic officers from the 13 school districts in attendance.

STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed gave the opening address, and the roughly two-hour meeting was moderated by Dr. Anahid Petrosian, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at South Texas College.

“A lot is happening with our Dual Programs,” Dr. Reed told attendees at the meeting. “We are constantly trying to improve the program, and we want to make sure we are on the same page by reviewing data regarding the performance of students in your dual credit programs.

“We are taking this very seriously because just as school districts are accountable for the performance of high school students, we are very accountable to the Coordinating Board and to our accrediting agencies for the performance of dual credit students as college students,” Dr. Reed said.

Since 2000, STC has served over 106,000 dual credit students tuition free. The Dual Credit Programs currently serves two counties, 24 school districts, 70 high school sites and includes over 13,000 students, 1,500 courses, and more than 570 faculty.

Topics at Friday’s meeting included a review of the state of the Dual Credit Programs as well as the most recent data, revisions for the new fiscal year, and discussions of the Texas Pathways Project aligning high school endorsements with STC meta-majors.

Student advising is also among the top priorities for the coming school year. STC has developed a first time dual credit student module, which will introduce new dual credit students to the program as well as introduce the many resources available to them on campus.

“We are just appreciative always of the collaboration that South Texas College has had with the school district,” said Sharyland Superintendent Dr. Maria M. Vidaurri. “As with everything, there is always refinement and this is a refinement process which we totally appreciate. We are looking at it from an ISD perspective considering how this is going to impact us, and how are we still going to be able to allow our students to have these different opportunities.

“It has been an incredible collaboration,” Dr. Vidaurri said.

More than 56 supervisors and managers from law enforcement agencies across Texas attended the training at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE). Officers came from Laredo, Austin, San Antonio as well as the Rio Grande Valley to participate in the weeklong course.

Officers were trained on concepts of credibility, accountability and motivation, while becoming familiar with aspects of liability and discipline that are vital to leadership at all levels of their respective agencies.

“This is a supervision level class which focuses on interpersonal relations as well as the challenges of being a first line supervisor,” said David Boggs, a retired chief of police from Broken Arrow, Okla. who is now a LEEDA instructor. “The goal of the whole class is to make sure people are successful as supervisors, and that they have all the tools they need to start that supervisory journey. It’s foundational for all supervisors.”

The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) is part one of the three-step leadership series that makes up an FBI-LEEDA Trilogy that includes a supervisory leadership institute, command leadership institute, and executive leadership institute, according to event coordinators.

LEEDA teaches over 425 courses a year, and anywhere between 10 to 12 trainings a week running simultaneously, Boggs said.

“Law enforcement has really gone through extensive changes over the years, and we feel that in order to be the best at what we do, we have to incorporate a lot of the practices that businesses are using in order to manage departments, personnel, and budgets,” said Edward Chavez, an assistance chief with the City of Pharr Police Department. “This course allows us to be able to gain this knowledge. It’s one thing to police, but not a lot of academies teach individuals how to manage organizations.”

STC is the first border community college in the nation to establish integrative training for local, state and federal professionals in law enforcement, public safety, fire safety, and homeland security along the US/Mexico border.

Current goals of the RCPSE include prioritizing the most sought after instruction required by federal, state, county, municipal, and school district law enforcement, further developing partnerships with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and assisting agencies in recruiting future law enforcement officers.

STC RCPSE is located on a 64-acre site, in Pharr, Texas with additional acres available for future expansion. The Master Plan includes 534,385 square feet of buildings, target range, emergency vehicles operational course, and fire science structures to be completed in three phases over the next decade.

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) presented over $300,000 in grant funding to the Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board, which announced a partnership with STC, Edinburg EDC, and Pharr EDC on Aug. 2.

TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez was on hand to present the awards to representatives from STC, Edinburg and Pharr. STC Board Trustees on hand to receive the award on behalf of the college included Chairman Paul R. Rodriguez, Gary Gurwitz, and Dr. Alejo Salinas.

Edinburg EDC Interim Executive Director Ruben Ramirez and Pharr EDC Executive Director Victor Perez were on hand to receive the awards on behalf of their municipalities.

Special guests in attendance at the check presentation included Commissioner of Higher Education for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) Raymund A. Paredes, and THECB Vice-chair Dr. Fred Farias III.

“I think the stars have aligned for all of us,” Commissioner Alvarez said. “We have crossed paths in many ways, and one of the things that I can honestly say that beginning in 2016 we were able to put together a game plan…instilled in there is the value and remarks from many of you who attended those meetings on expanding apprenticeship programs, and allowing individuals to have options, not just alternatives.”

STC received an Apprenticeship Texas Expansion Grant in the amount of $199,390 to help initiate and expand existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the region. The Registered Apprenticeship Program is focused on auto service technicians, industrial maintenance, HVAC, and machinists.

STC serves as the RA sponsor, and the college will be responsible for developing and providing curriculum for apprentices while engaging and expanding RA programs and services through employer engagement.

“I think there are two key words in today’s activities, and those are jobs and partnerships,” STC Board Chairman Rodriguez said. “These programs go back to the days of apprenticeships which were the limitations of training programs for a long time.

“Bringing these back in this way shows true initiative, and I think there is a tremendous opportunity for everyone,” Rodriguez said. “We are certainly very pleased at South Texas College to be a part of these many partnerships, and we look forward to many more.”

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board also received two High Demand Job Training (HDJT) Grants. One of those grants, in partnership with Edinburg EDC and STC in the amount of $93,110 is to provide training for 53 new and incumbent workers from businesses in Edinburg.

The Edinburg EDC plans to match that amount for a total $186,000 to be used to develop a first-of-its-kind maintenance training program for biomedical equipment in the city.

Funds in Edinburg will also be used for a customized Certified Nursing Assistance Program that will provide trainees who successfully complete the program with a Phlebotomy Certification from the National Health Care Association for Phlebotomy Technicians

Additional training areas through the grant in Edinburg also include customer service and cybersecurity.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Board was also awarded a $19,000 grant from TWC in partnership with PSJA ISD and Pharr EDC to create a national certification for construction education and research. The Pharr EDC is contributing a 1:1 match for a total of $38,000 to support the project.

“This is what we do at South Texas College, and it’s our prime responsibility at Texas Workforce Commission,” Alvarez said. “It’s to allow individuals to have options as they grow up. Every individual should be able to go to college.”

For more information about apprenticeships at South Texas College, please visit STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/manufacturing/.

TWC and DHR Health awarded STC with a $1 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant at a formal check signing on Thursday. The funds marked the 27^th SDF grant awarded by TWC to the college, and the second grant in partnership with DHR.

STC was also awarded a Self Sufficiency Fund (SSF) grant by Workforce Solutions in the amount of $140,860 for workers in high demand occupations.

In attendance at the event was TWC Commissioner representing Labor Julian Alvarez; Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; DHR Chief Academic Officer Dr. R. Armour Forse; and Arcelia Sanchez, Workforce Solutions Strategy and Engagement Deputy Director.

STC Trustees in attendance included Chairman Paul R. Rodriguez, Gary Gurwitz, and Dr. Alejo Salinas.

“We truly are exceptional, and our students will be exceptional employees in our community,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “We can’t do this without partnerships. It’s not always easy but we learn from our experiences and we are getting better and better at it all the time.”

For more than two decades, the Skills Development Fund grant program has assisted employers with customized training needs. Through SDF in 2018 TWC awarded 50 Skills Development Fund grants totaling almost $24 million to 90 Texas businesses, supported the creation of 4,682 new jobs, and upgraded the skills of 11,494 workers in existing jobs.

The current SDF grant is intended to provide customized training through a variety of healthcare areas for an estimated 4,000 new and existing employees of DHR Health.

“In the healthcare industry, the whole business is changing every day,” said Dr. Forse. “We have to talk about different ways for billing, coding, and documenting on top of treating new diseases even when there are days when our hospital is over 130 percent occupied.

“At the same time, we really want to bring our workforce up and give them all the new tools they need to move forward and take care of those patients,” Forse said. “How do we do this? Well it is through these grants, which we pursued with STC, which has been our educational partner because we want to be able to train these people while they’re in a job environment.”

In addition to the $1 million grant, a Self Sufficiency Fund (SSF) grant was awarded to STC in partnership with Workforce Solutions in the amount of $140,860. It marked the eighth SSF grant the college has received to date.

The SSF grant is intended to provide training in high demand occupations for an estimated 70 participants in the areas of welding, phlebotomy, and EKG technician.

“The self sufficiency grant targets people who are on the verge of becoming dependent on government assistance,” said Olivia De La Rosa, Director of Professional And Workforce Education at STC. “Through the grant we are going to train people who will hopefully learn a skill and get them a job on the path to self sufficiency.”

STC is consistently introducing new course offerings meant to challenge students and offer them insight, often in real world settings.

The college’s new lineup for the fall will introduce new courses in world dance, criminology, culinary arts, and a new personal trainer certificate for kinesiology students.

Kinesiology

The Kinesiology Department will add their much anticipated personal trainer certificate for the fall. The certificate includes an introduction to personal training that will enable students to explore all areas of the personal training occupation including marketing, legal aspects, and psychology while emphasizing one-on-one or group training situations.

Kinesiology will also introduce a course in fitness and exercise testing that will encompass techniques for conducting physical fitness assessments; as well as a theory of exercise program design where students will study the theoretical basis underlying physical fitness.

Please visit https://bit.ly/2M4fX7U for the full course list.

Drama

STC’s Drama Department will also add an exciting course in World Dance. Through the course, students will become immersed in different cultures, history, and their influences on contemporary dance society. Students will also have the opportunity to experience the cultural origins, significance, motivations, and techniques from dances spanning the globe.

For more information about Drama courses at STC please visit https://bit.ly/2LEeHJe

Public Safety

Public Safety will add a course in Criminology. This course will cover current theories and empirical research pertaining to crime and criminal behavior and its causes, methods of prevention, systems of punishment, and rehabilitation.The full list of Public Safety Courses can be found at https://bit.ly/2OcAWIp

To learn more about STC's law enforcement program visit https://bt.southtexascollege.edu/law-enforcement/index.html

To learn about STC's Fire Science program visit https://bt.southtexascollege.edu/fire/index.html

Culinary Arts

STC’s Culinary Arts Program will also add four new courses including Meat Preparation and Cooking, Professional Kitchen Essentials, Cake Baking and Production, and Quantity Bakeshop Production.

The meat preparation course will include preparation, storage, and cooking techniques for beef, pork, lamb, poultry, seafood, and game. Kitchen essentials will address current events, skills, knowledge, and behaviors in the industry. Cake Baking and Production will cover principles and techniques of cake production including identification, functions, mixing, and baking. Quantity Bakeshop will cover advanced baking techniques to include volume production of a variety of breads and desserts.

For more information about STC’s Culinary program please visit https://bit.ly/2UkSY9X

“STC continuously strives to offer courses that will give students opportunities to learn about the growing industries throughout our community, and hopefully give them options when it comes to choosing a career pathway,” said Christina Cavazos, Curriculum and Student Learning manager.

Students who want to browse all of the course offerings, or begin registering for the fall semester can visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/register/ for additional information.

Students can avoid an additional $60 registration fee if they meet the early payment deadline, which is Aug. 16 for fall 2019. Regular payment deadline for fall is Aug. 25, and final payment is due by Sept. 11. Classes not paid in full by 5 p.m. on the final deadline may be dropped. Fall classes begin Aug. 26.

“What we are working towards is more educational opportunities for law enforcement officers in the Rio Grande Valley, providing them with advanced skills and knowledge of techniques to combat cybercrime and other evolving threats to our community,” Varville said.

STC is the first border community college in the nation to establish integrative training for local, state and federal professionals in law enforcement, public safety, fire safety, and homeland security along with the US/Mexico border.

The President’s Advisory Council meeting was organized to identify strategies that will be used in the development of the college’s 2020 RCPSE training implementation plan. The Council serves as the principal means to develop advanced training programs at the RCPSE and to ensure that those programs remain current with evolving technology.

Following an electronic survey sent to law enforcement asking for input about the types of training most needed for officers, Varville said the College has embarked on a training program to develop courses most needed by law enforcement.

Current goals of the RCPSE include prioritizing the most sought after instruction required by federal, state, county, municipal, and school district law enforcement, further developing partnerships with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and assisting agencies in recruiting future law enforcement officers.

In 2018, STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed extended an invitation to regional leaders in the law enforcement community to participate on the Advisory Council in order to provide recommendations for professional continuing education and college degree programs.

The $71.28 million long-range master plan is on a 64-acre site, in Pharr, Texas with additional acres available for future expansion. The Master Plan includes 534,385 square feet of buildings, target range, emergency vehicles operational course, and fire science structures to be completed in three phases over the next decade.

“It’s important that we develop partnerships to be able to respond to law enforcement needs,” said Wanda Garza, STC Director of External Affairs. “This is about access to facilities and equipment and asking ‘how can we do this?’ Our discussion with you is how we leverage the training funds to be able to provide this to you within our partnership.”

Upcoming Trainings: STC RCPSE will next hold a free 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training for officers on July 8, and an eight-hour course on cellphone investigative techniques hosted by the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office on July 16.

Now armed with the knowledge of how to succeed academically at the highest level, Lozano, who currently serves as the program chair for STC’s Architectural Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) program, says her experience with college began like many students who come from a small town in the Rio Grande Valley.

Lugging her two big suitcases into the airport on that summer day in 2001, Lozano remembers her encounter with a Valley student as they both boarded the plane to New Haven, Conn. on their way to Yale University. As they waved goodbye to their families, Lozano said there was a sense of accomplishment just being able to break the mold for what was expected from Valley students at that time.

Coming from Edcouch, Lozano had decided early on that she would build a career stemming from her love for architecture and design. Even though she followed in the footsteps of her three older sisters who had all gone on to elite schools, she said adapting to life at an Ivy League institution presented some unique challenges.

“As I arrived at Yale, I looked around the classroom and realized that half the students had gone to private schools or had gone to boarding schools and so they were used to the culture of college, but it was very new to me,” Lozano said. “Luckily I think I adapted well, made good friends, and made progress academically because it was a huge privilege just to get accepted at Yale. And I understood that I was fortunate to be given this opportunity, so I stayed focused on my goals and knew there were people counting on me to succeed.”

She began at Yale in 2001 and within the first few weeks of her first semester in college, September 11 happened.

Suddenly feeling alone and unsure about finding her way home in the aftermath of the tragedy, the experience of 9/11 during her first year at college opened her eyes to the world and made her grow up fast, she said.

This prompted her to make an extra effort to find mentors and she connected quickly with a small but vocal community of Latino students at Yale’s Latino Cultural Center. She associated with Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and Mexicans, which she says eventually became like a second family.

She also befriended the Assistant Dean Rosalinda Garcia who famously is credited with helping significantly grow Yale’s Latino community. Garcia would go on to become the Assistant Vice President of Student Life at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio in 2014.

On the way to receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Yale, Lozano said she studied architectural design, structural concepts, and architecture history as she prepared to enter the workforce.

Yale is considered one of the top architecture schools in the United States, according to Architectural Record, a national trade magazine that since 1891 has been dedicated to architecture and interior design.

Women make up more than 46 percent of the program, while Hispanics and Latinos comprise more than five percent of the total student body. https://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools/yale-university-school-of-architecture-000_10044879.aspx

“In learning architecture and design, there was really this collaborative environment that was created there, which I loved,” Lozano said. “While earning my degree I also worked at the dining hall at one of the residential colleges. I got to know the cafeteria staff really well and really felt like I was taken care of while away from home. As I said, there was always the sense of mentorship and of family.”

Right out of college, Lozano said she began teaching third-grade students before landing her first job at an architecture firm. While there, she was informed about the opportunity to begin teaching architectural drafting at South Texas College and eventually made the transition into academia in 2007.

The decision to teach at STC, she said, derived from her roots in Edcouch and her commitment to education and giving back to the Rio Grande Valley community.

“I share with my students that I never forgot where I was from,” she said. “I never tried to hide where I was from, I never tried to hide my culture, I never tried to hide the things that were familiar to me. I learned a lot about myself while I was at Yale and what influenced me the most to return to the RGV was that sense of community. Even though I had been pulled from my familiarity, you know, from my familiar culture and my familiar home, I was still aware of my responsibility to give back. I don't think that I would have been able to really take a step back and evaluate who I am and value those things about myself.”

More than 12 years later, Lozano is now the Program Chair for the Architectural, Engineering Design Technology (AEDT) Program and utilizes the same concepts of mentorship and family to guide STC students into successful careers.

“The people who we are teaching here, the students, we are preparing them to go out into the community and to not stay in a little bubble. And I think that's what's really important for me,” Lozano said. “In a sense, giving back to them is also telling them to open their eyes and explore the world.

“If I can continue to communicate this idea of giving back, students will graduate from our program knowing they have a responsibility to their community and that designers play a huge role in shaping the environment around them,” Lozano said. “They play a huge role in designing their future.”

The $5,000 grant will provide scholarship funds for students in the Valley Scholars Program.

Valley Scholars student and Music Major, Eduardo Salinas says the program and its scholarship funds have benefited him on his journey through higher education.

“This scholarship has allowed me to progress my educational goals and be a part of the music program at STC,” Salinas said. “I have learned a lot and am thankful for the generosity of Valley Scholars Program donors.”

Wells Fargo Region Bank President for South Texas and El Paso, Alma Ortega Johnson, stated supporting education is a priority for Wells Fargo.

“We believe that education is the best thing to do for our community,” Johnson explained. “It is our pleasure to contribute every year for scholarships to support students so that they can get the education they need.”

The Valley Scholars Program was established in 1997 to recognize and promote academic excellence by providing financial assistance, academic support services, mentoring, and leadership development to academically gifted and highly motivated students. The Program provides a foundation that empowers students to excel in their academic achievements and to become leaders that will make significant contributions to their communities. Support from local businesses and corporate sponsors enables the Valley Scholars Program to provide up to $2,000 in scholarship funds for Valley Scholars students pursuing an associate degree at South Texas College.

To contribute to STC’s Valley Scholars Program, contact Jessica S. Garcia, at 956-872-1952.

June camps

Beginning in June, visitors to STC’s Technology Campus and Pecan Plaza will choose from a variety of weeklong camps designed to keep minds sharp and learn new skills all while having fun.

Aviation, Sewing, Cyberpatriot, Mobile App Development, and Intro to Game Development are just some of the many hands-on camps available to participants.

At the aviation camp, students will utilize models and simulators to learn about the theory of flight, airplanes, control surfaces, and engines.

Through the Cyberpatriot program, students will be exposed to cybersecurity concepts including working with Windows 10, Linux, Unbuntu 16, virtual machines, basic graphical user interface security, and basic command line security.

The primary goal of the Intro to Game Development program is to bring the fun and exciting world of creating and developing games to students. The activities are designed to benefit 7th through 10th grade students pursuing careers in Mathematics, Science, and Engineering.

Mobile App Development will be divided into two parts, an introductory course and an advanced course that will have students work with the Android mobile developer platform. Programs are designed to help students understand how mobile apps are created.

The aviation camp, cyberpatriot, game development and mobile app development camps will take place at STC’s Pecan Campus located in McAllen.

The Sewing camp, which will take place at Pecan Plaza located at 2621 W. Pecan Blvd. in McAllen will introduce participants to the basics of sewing, including sewing machine parts and setup.

Sessions begin June 3 and will take place every week throughout the summer. Camps are open to grades 5th - 12^th. For more information about time, cost, or to register please visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/summer-camps/index.html.

July camps

STC’s popular robotics camps begin in July. The 2019 Robotics and Automation Summer Camp takes place from July 1 to July 19.

New for this year, the college’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) in cooperation with FIRST-RGV introduces drone pilot training for kids ages 13 to 17 in three weeklong camps from July 1-5, July 8-12, and July 15-19. This camp utilizes the current techniques and principles to pilot a recreational or industrial drone in a safe manner following the FAA regulations and air space limitations.

Cost for the drone camp is $135 and will take place at STC’s Technology Campus. Those who are interested can call 956-872-6148 for more information.

This year’s First Tech Challenge also begins in July and will utilize the Robotics Build & Programing Principles of First Tech Challenge (FTC) to prepare students to compete in city and state meets. Drone Piloting Fundamentals training will also be given in addition to the FTC.

Robotics camp will be made available for kids ages 12 to 17 in three weeklong camps from July 1-5, July 8-12, and July 15-19. Cost for the camp is $135 and will take place at STC’s Technology Campus. Those who are interested can call 956-872-6148 for more information.

For a complete schedule of all camps, please visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/summer-camps/index.html

Based on five months of research, including community, faculty, staff, students, parents, and business, the new brand reflects the best self of the college, according to Daniel Ramirez, South Texas College Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

The research was conducted under Ramirez’ leadership and in partnership with Interact Communications, the industry leader in 2-year, technical, and community college marketing.

“It was a great time to review what STC means to our community, students, faculty, staff, and partners. It was also an opportunity to improve our visibility and awareness as a local leader in higher education,” Ramirez added.

“We conducted extensive research to better understand how students and the community view the services and opportunities the college offers,” says Interact President Cheryl Broom. “The results were clear: STC is a local leader in higher education and provides its students and the community with an exceptional higher education experience. The new brand statement, ‘Experience Exceptional,’ captures the college's promise to students and the community to provide excellence in teaching and learning.”

“South Texas College is many things to many people,” said Ramirez. “It’s a premier destination for learning, a warm and welcoming college community, a place that connects businesses with talent, and a source of unprecedented opportunities. But above all, STC represents a unique and empowering experience—a one-of-a-kind institution for a diverse and extraordinary community and ‘Experience Exceptional’ embodies all of that.”

Why it works: the branding is concise, instantly understandable, and infinitely flexible. ‘Experience’ is a versatile ‘call-to-action’ that operates on both emotional and professional levels. It invites prospects into the college experience, while also promising to help them get the practical experience they need to succeed in today’s job market. The second half, ‘Exceptional’ combines the attributes of ‘originality’ and ‘excellence’ in an elegant, versatile word that not only lays claim to college’s exceptional reputation, but also makes a promise to students that they too can be exceptional if they are willing to study and work hard.

South Texas College President, Dr. Shirley A. Reed says the new brand reflects the success of students who attend the institution.

“We have been underestimated. The community at large has underestimated South Texas College and we’ve come to recognize that we truly are exceptional,” said Reed. “This (new brand) truly reflects South Texas College based on our students’ experience, our community’s experience, and the perceptions of our faculty and staff.”

South Texas College sophomore, Aileen Flores says this campaign message mirrors her own experiences with the institution as well.

“Being able to balance my life has been great,” said Flores. “The balance of my time in classes and time at home I think makes South Texas College exceptional.”

The new branding will roll out this summer as the college continues to strengthen its visibility within the region and build pride among the exceptional students, employees and alumni within the community.

To learn more about the opportunities at South Texas College visit southtexascollege.edu.

The agreement marks the first federal partnership training agreement in the state of Texas.

The ceremony formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with FLETC as well as the U.S. Field Operations Academy, and the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, which are all under U.S. Homeland Security. These agreements outline how much college credit South Texas College will grant federal agents for training they have already completed through federal programs.

These new federal partnerships at the college’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE) are poised to enhance the ability of future and current federal law enforcement officers to expand their horizons and their careers, according to USCBP agent Hector Escamilla, Division Chief for Law Enforcement Operations in the Rio Grande Valley Sector.

The issue of training and awareness is one that Escamilla is intently familiar with; after all, he has been educating citizens about Border Patrol operations for at least two decades.

In the late 1990s, Escamilla said he organized the first Border Patrol Citizens Academy, which enabled the public to participate in a six to eight week class in an attempt to give them an up close and personal view of the border.

Escamilla said he has trained hundreds of citizens over the years, which included municipal leaders, educators, and students. Classes included accompanying Border Patrol agents on the river or in helicopters to boost awareness of life on the job, he said.

“I think what STC has established here is wonderful,” Escamilla said. “I was here for the groundbreaking ceremony with Dr. Reed, and although I know it hasn’t fully come to fruition, I believe this is an outstanding endeavor, and it’s definitely going to enhance the ability of our young people, here in the community, to expand their horizons and their careers.”

Guests in attendance at the announcement included U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, who provided the keynote address at the ceremony, preceded by STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed and STC Chairman of the Board of Trustees Paul R. Rodriguez, who offered opening remarks.

STC Trustees present at the ceremony included Vice Chair Rose Benavidez and member Gary Gurwitz.

Also in attendance were FLETC Director Thomas J. Walters; David Higgerson, Director of the Office of Field Operations for CBP; Isidro Lagos, Branch Chief of Field Operations Academy (USCBP); Carlos R. Ortiz, Acting Deputy Chief Patrol Agent with U.S. Border Patrol Academy (USCBP); Ana Garcia, South Texas Regional Director with the Office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn; and Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez.

“There is incredible potential with South Texas College, so I have to hand it to them; they accomplished all this in about a year, which is truly amazing,” Cuellar said.

“This will be the model and the foundation for other places,” Cuellar said. “South Texas College is setting the foundation so we can do this, and not only for the credit classes that they are expecting, but for those trainees I want to bring in so they can become future CBP officers and Border Patrol agents.”

STC’s Regional Center, in particular, is working to meet the demand of careers in the fields of public safety, law enforcement, fire science, and Homeland Security. In alignment with its institutional mission to provide career and academic pathways for students of the South Texas region, STC is collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies to provide college credit for completion of federal training programs.

Graduates from the five Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) training programs will be eligible to claim between six to 17 hours of college credit at STC upon completion of two requisite courses.

Specialized FLETC training programs eligible for college credit at STC include criminal investigation, land management, and uniform police.

USCBP programs eligible for college credit include Border Patrol and Field Operations.

All course credit will count towards the Applied Associate of Science in Law Enforcement.

“Something has to be done to expand educational opportunities for all the agents working for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “It has taken 15 to 20 years, but here we are today in this beautiful facility that was only possible with the support of the City of Pharr, PSJA school district, the taxpayers of Hidalgo and Starr County, the state legislature, and we are optimistic that we will now receive federal funding.

“This truly has been a collaborative commitment to improve the preparation of all law enforcement officers: local, state, and federal,” Dr. Reed said. “We are committed to doing this collaboratively.”

STC initiated this process after visiting the FLETC training center in Glynco, Ga. in late 2017. Since then, college staff along with leaders from FLETC and USCBP have aligned the specialized training program outcomes with college coursework to allow federal agents and officers to be eligible to receive college credit.

STC pursued the partnership with FLETC, which is the name of the interagency law enforcement training body for 91 federal law enforcement agencies that provides tuition-free and low-cost training to state, local, campus and tribal law enforcement agencies through its Rural Policing Institute (RPI) and the Office of State and Local Training.

“This is our first foray into Texas and the first agreement of its kind,” said FLETC Director Walters. “It has great promise for here and now, and even greater promise for the future as we give our students who graduate from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center the opportunity to gain some credit for their professional careers, and we look forward to being able to outreach even better not just with Texas but other states in the union.”

STC officially launched Phase 1 of its $71 million master plan for the RCPSE in Sept. 2018. Phase 1 is a 19,500 square-foot investment that consists of a training center, driving skills/skid pad, and shooting and driving simulation labs. The center also includes 180 additional acres for future expansion.

The new Regional Center intends to make STC the first border community college in the nation to establish integrative training along the US/Mexico border while meeting the demand for professionals seeking careers in public safety, law enforcement, fire science, and Homeland Security.

A true collaboration, the Regional Center would not be possible without significant contributions from the city, school district and the State of Texas.

The City of Pharr contributed 59 acres of land worth $2.5 million, and the Basic Peace Office Certification Program is operated in part with the Pharr Police Academy.

PSJA ISD contributed 10 acres of land and an additional $1 million for the construction of four classrooms to serve dual enrollment students in criminal justice and other public safety programs.

“We are a very loyal and a very assertive Commission that believes very heavily in law enforcement and following the rule of law,” said Pharr Mayor Hernandez. “We also know that the fastest way to get to any one point is a straight line with partnerships. We believe that we are not going to just stand on our two feet, but rather help those who are aligned with our vision just like Dr. Shirley A. Reed and South Texas College.

“We know we are at a pivotal moment, and this is a small pebble in the pond creating a large ripple effect that will forever transform this area,” Hernandez said. “We know that Homeland Security as a whole needs a home, and we know that they have great places to go all over our nation, but this is ground zero.”

Students seeking information about programs available at the RCPSE can visit https://bt.southtexascollege.edu/law-enforcement/index.html for more information. Those looking for information about the Law Enforcement program can contact Maricruz Hinojosa, Coordinator of College Connections at 956-872-6749. Those who are looking for information on STC's Fire Science Program can contact Megan Olivares at 956-872-4200.

“We are truly excited to make South Texas College a safe, healthy and productive environment,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “The health benefits of reducing secondhand smoke exposure are invaluable and could also help students prepare for the workforce where smoke-free policies are already the norm.”

Truth Initiative is building a national movement among students, faculty and administrators to address smoking and tobacco use at college campuses throughout the U.S.. Melissa Cienega and Michelle Leon are students in the South Texas College Respiratory Therapy program and were selected as Ambassadors for the project.

Following training with Truth Initiative in Washington D.C. in April, student Ambassadors and project staff will be tasked with informing students about the smoke-free initiative at college events, including student orientations and activities at the Nursing and Allied Health campus.

The college will look to engage at least 2,000 students in student-led tobacco prevention, education and tobacco-free campus policy advocacy activities including educating others about lung health. The goal of the student engagement component is to inspire youth and young adults to use their creativity and social influence to spread the truth about tobacco.

Ninety-nine percent of all smokers start smoking before the age of 26, making college campuses a critical part in the fight against youth tobacco use. Since 2015, the Truth Initiative Tobacco-Free College Program, in partnership with CVS Health, has awarded more than $1.8 million in funding to colleges prevent young adults from starting tobacco, help tobacco smokers quit, and reduce everyone’s exposure to secondhand smoke.

“Our goal is to make campus environments healthier places to live, work and learn,” said Robin Koval, CEO and president of Truth Initiative. “We are proud to continue to build relationships and provide grants to minority-serving institutions, HBCUs, women’s colleges and community colleges to give them the tools to go tobacco free and be the generation that ends smoking.”

“The grant from Truth Initiative has set us up for success, and I’m positive we can achieve our goals,” said Gabriel Peña, Respiratory Therapy Program Chair at South Texas College.

The purpose of this grant is to provide equipment and instruction for students in manufacturing and pharmacy technology career fields.

TWC awarded over $166,000 for the High Demand Job Training Grant and the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant.

In partnership with TWC and McAllen Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) the $71,520 grant awarded to STC will train 60 incumbent and new workers in industrial maintenance and industrial robotic automation.

South Texas College Chairman of the Board, Paul Rodriguez, says students will directly benefit from this grant.

“These grants provide the foundation for us to expand economic opportunity. To be able to have the infrastructure and equipment set up to initiate that training, is money on the ground. This is the nuts and bolts,” said Rodriguez. “These grants will go towards the equipment which will directly help students with hands-on training.”

Chief Executive Officer for Workforce Solutions, Francisco Almaraz, says TWC is collaborating business and education in the region.

“We partner with a lot of organizations throughout the Rio Grande Valley business, and education primarily,” said Almaraz. “We are trying to align business and education. We work with businesses and try to understand what their needs are to determine which occupations are in demand for students.”

HISD, recipient of the $95,323 JET grant will provide funding for equipment and training for future pharmacy technicians.

Superintendent for Hidalgo ISD, Xavier Salinas, expressed his gratitude for receiving the JET grant.

“We are so happy with the JET grant to begin with. We are going to have 85 kids participate in the pharmacy tech program,” said Salinas. “Once these students are finished with their training, they will be able to be employed at any pharmacy here in the Rio Grande Valley. STC and Hidalgo ISD have a great partnership, and I am very happy about it.”

Speakers at the check presentation included President of South Texas College, Dr. Shirley A. Reed, Chief Executive Officer for Workforce Solutions Francisco Almaraz, and Commissioner Representing Labor for Texas Workforce Commission, Julian Alvarez.

The funding period for this grant is from Dec. 20, 2018 to Nov. 30, 2019.

For more information regarding the manufacturing program and other technology fields at STC, please contact Carlos Margo at 956-872-6109.

Continuing, Professional, and Workforce Education (CPWE) at STC will begin assisting students with low literacy skills who either lack a high school diploma or who may not have the skills needed for employment.

These students now have the ability to get ahead by receiving the skills and credentials needed to find good jobs.

A combined total of $659,340 has been awarded by TWC and was recently authorized by the Board of Trustees for acceptance at STC. The two grants include $499,895 from the Accelerate Texas IV: Integrated Education and Training grant, and $156,445 from TWC Pell Grant Ability to Benefit Capacity Building.

The funding period for both grants began on Jan. 1, 2019 and will last until Dec. 31, 2020.

“These grants will allow us to provide 277 participants with the skills and credentials to be able to find employment,” said CPWE Director Olivia De La Rosa. “The target population for both grants are individuals with low literacy skills who either lack a high school diploma to be able to find employment or who may have their high school diploma or GED but who may not have the skills needed for employment.

“Our goal is to get individuals on a path to self-sufficiency and a better quality of life,” De La Rosa said.

The Accelerate Texas IV: Integrated Education and Training grant will support approximately 200 participants to complete a recognized postsecondary credential with job placement support. Students will be concurrently enrolled in Workforce Training and adult education and literacy services.

The grant is slated to help individuals who are English language learners and who are at or below 8.9 on their Texas Assessment for Bilingual Education (TABE) exam.

It will assist individuals who do not have a secondary school diploma, as well those who already have a high school diploma but who are interested in certificate training in phlebotomy, pharmacy, structural welding, pipe welding, forklift, Maintenance and Repair, or Microsoft Office or training as a Nurse Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, or First Responder.

The Ability to Benefit Capacity Building grant will support at least 77 participants who will be recruited, assessed, and tested for program eligibility, according to Dr. Virginia Champion, STC Director of Grant Development, Management, and Compliance.

The program will serve individuals who do not already have a high school credential and who have at least an 8th grade level in Reading, Writing, and Math. Participants will complete at least six credit hours of 225 clock hours that are applicable toward a degree or certificate offered at STC, as well as toward the completion of an Occupational Skills Award or a Level 1 Certificate, both of which are considered postsecondary credentials.

“Participants in this grant will also receive support for job placement and training in job readiness skills and college success,” Dr. Champion said. “Training will be in the areas of Computer and Internet Specialist, Medical Office Specialist, Payroll Assistant, and Structural Welding.”

For more information about CPWE and the wide range of courses available through the program, please visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/cpwe/ or call 956-872-3585. CPWE offices are located at STC’s Pecan Plaza, Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City, and Technology Campus in McAllen.

Community College Day is a day legislators designate for community college students throughout the state of Texas to discuss future goals and projects.

South Texas College students had the opportunity to tour the capitol, meet with lawmakers, and discuss important issues.

Some of the subjects discussed were future funding, dual credit opportunities and workforce education.

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. was among the many Texas leaders STC students had the opportunity to visit with. Often called the “Godfather” of South Texas College, Lucio introduced the legislation that called for the creation of the college back in 1993.

Senate Bill 251 called for the creation of a college to serve Hidalgo and Starr Counties. In June of that year, then Texas Gov. Ann Richards signed the legislation creating South Texas Community College, serving both counties.

Representative and former South Texas College Trustee Oscar Longoria, Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr., Representative Ryan Guillen, and Representative Alex Dominguez also met with South Texas College students and discussed their goals and priorities for the ongoing legislative session.

South Texas College sophomore, Enrique Olguin was in attendance at Community College Day and appreciated the opportunity to represent STC in Austin.

“The trip with STC and our Student Government Association was a great learning experience. Thanks to the college I was given the chance to see how the capitol functions,” said Olguin. “It was a great pleasure to meet with our representatives.”

Elibariki Nguma, director of Student Activities and Wellness at South Texas College says these events are important for student growth.

“This was a great opportunity for STC’s student leaders to meet in person with their local/state representatives and senators,” said Nguma. “We also ran into an STC alumni currently working at the Capitol on an internship, she was also able to talk to the students about her experiences.

It was an eye-opening experience for students and they expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity.”

Meeting with more than 70 senators and House representatives who arrived for a legislative tour from Jan. 24 to Jan. 27, Dr. Reed along with STC Director of External Affairs Wanda Garza said they emphasized that the new RCPSE is the first training center in Texas to provide a comprehensive plan to train state, local and federal officers.

Dr. Reed said she appreciated the chance to speak to legislators as the 86^th Legislative Session gets underway.

“Any opportunity to help our legislators visit the border is a welcome opportunity,” Dr. Reed said following the event. “Both the challenges and opportunities were clearly visible as we toured the ports of entry.”

Garza said the four-day tour of Hidalgo and Starr Counties sites gave local leaders the opportunity to showcase our community and discuss legislative priorities that will benefit the South Texas Region.”

“The college was able to jump on the bus and talk with legislators about the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence,” Garza said. “As we passed the Center, the members were able to see a state-of-the-art facility that will provide highly specialized training to local, federal and state law enforcement professionals.”

Organized by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the Legislative Tour is held every two years during the legislative session so lawmakers have a chance to engage with local communities and supporters.

Since 1975, the legislative tour has put communities of the Valley in direct conversation with Texas legislators focusing on key regional topics, including: education, infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and international relations.

Lawmakers in attendance included Sens. Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, Jose R. Rodriguez,D-El Paso, Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville. More than 35 Texas House representatives, Republican and Democrat, were also on the tour along with the Valley delegation which included Reps. Alex Dominguez, D-Brownsville, Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, Oscar Longoria, D-Mission, Armando Martinez, D-Weslaco, Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, Bobby Guerra, D-McAllen, Sergio Munoz Jr., D-Palmview, and Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City.

“As we engage with our legislators and delegation from the Valley showcasing our priorities that are important to them, we need to have a forum,” said Sergio Contreras, CEO & President – RGV Partnership. “We need to be sure we talk about public education, finance reform, and in particular the challenges and strengths of our communities.”

On Feb. 4, South Texas College and the Office of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced that STC and the Starr County Industrial Foundation (SCIF) were the recipients of $100,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Technical Assistance Program.

The award will be used to develop a Starr County Strategic Plan focusing on workforce and economic development by the year 2025.STC and SCIF also contributed $25,000 in match funding.

Once complete, the strategic plan will help diversify and boost economic development throughout the Starr County region, according to economic leaders.

“What strategic planning will allow us to do is ensure that the priorities that we are putting in as a county and as a city are working. We need to refine ways to fund projects and make them a reality,” said SCIF President and STC Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Rose Benavidez. “Projects can be anything from roads, drainage, improving education, and community parks. Our main interest in this particular instance is finding ways to make this a more viable location for investment and as an opportunity to create more jobs.

“I think the most important thing to know is that we have communities now where leaders are working together, and even though each community has its own issues and priorities, everyone understands that sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture to ensure that we are investing in a way that will make their future better,” Benavidez said.

In attendance at the check presentation was U.S. Rep. Cuellar, D-Laredo; Jorge Ayala, Regional Director for U.S. Economic Development Administration; Sam Vale, President of the Starr-Camargo Bridge Company; and STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. STC Trustees in attendance included Vice Chair Benavidez, Gary Gurwitz, and Dr. Alejo Salinas.

“Having a highly skilled workforce is one of the key components to growing our economy,” Rep. Cuellar said. “This funding will yield lasting economic benefits for businesses and people throughout Starr County by allowing South Texas College to expand upon its Workforce and Economic Development Plan, providing opportunities to educate and train both their students and their workforce. It is one of the best investments we have made for the people of South Texas.”

The grant will support the college and the Starr County Industrial Foundation’s interest in the development of a current Asset Map of Starr County and to facilitate a Strategic Planning Conference with key leaders and stakeholders.

“Well let me first of all express appreciation. None of this happens without Congress supporting us, and none of this money flows to us without EDA supporting us,” said Dr. Reed. “It may seem like a modest amount; however it is critical to the future of Starr County. Our goal is to asset map Starr County, list every attribute Starr County has for future development, job growth, bringing industry to the county, and ultimately increasing the income level of all residents in Starr County.”

TWC awarded STC three grants totaling more than $1.3 million on Friday Jan. 11. The award included a $249,096 Job and Education for Texas (JET) grant, $655,153 to the Healthcare and Social Assistance Consortium at STC to create and upgrade 1,167 jobs, and $409,890 to the college’s Manufacturing Consortium to create and upgrade 205 jobs.

Special guest speakers in attendance at the grant included state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen; Ruth Hughs, chair of Texas Workforce Commission; Irma Vento, Human Resources manager at Woodcrafters Home Products; and Teresa Johnson, education department at South Texas Health Systems.

“Please know how grateful we are for all the partnerships who are represented here today,” Hughs said the event. “On behalf of myself and fellow commissioners, we are so very proud of these investments because we see their impact across the state. We see the success and that these are investments that you can only take advantage of if everyone at the table is participating.”

The JET Grant will be used to provide equipment for the Computer Information Technology Program including the purchase of a Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device that will train students in forensic techniques and collection of evidence.

Grant partners involved in the SDF Healthcare grant include United Health Systems and two colleges, Southwest Texas Junior College and Laredo College. Under the grant, UHS’s local affiliate under the name South Texas Health System which includes local hospitals Cornerstone Regional Hospital, Edinburg Regional Medical Center, Edinburg Children’s Hospital, McAllen Medical Center, McAllen Heart Hospital and two ER centers in Mission and Weslaco will train registered nurses, mammography technicians, emergency room technicians, housekeepers, CNAs and a variety of occupations.

STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) will provide SDF Manufacturing grant business partners, Wood Crafters Home Products and TST NA Trim with training for quality assurance and industrial maintenance in automation with an overall regional impact of over $1.3 million, according to TWC commissioner Hughs.

“By working together, we are growing the economy of this Valley,” said STC President Dr. Reed. “We know that no one does this alone. This is a collaboration, and all of us share in the commitment that we are able to do such great things. This is a million dollar morning, not bad for a cloudy day.”

STC has established an informational portal for DREAMers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and undocumented students to better engage with the college, albeit anonymously. The new website can be found at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/dreamers/.

The informational website contains state and federal legislation, legal resources, financial aid options, and will include scholarship opportunities as they become available. It also includes an FAQ for undocumented and DACA recipient students.

Staff and faculty say the resource center will act as the starting point for DREAMers looking to become familiar with everything STC has to offer.

“While we don’t have a physical location for it, we want it to be a page that is full of answers,” said Hector Cerda, STC Coordinator of Enrollment Services and DREAMer Center Project board member. “Part of the benefit of having it as a website is that we allow students to engage with us without fear and make them feel more comfortable exploring all of the resources we have available for them.

“South Texas College is interested in helping these students advance their education, as well as giving them the opportunity that this represents,” Cerda said. “We want to help them open the door and continue their education.”

The DREAMer Center is a collaborative effort among many at STC. Faculty, who are often the first point of contact with students, have assisted with research and language as well as the FAQ section for the website in order to make it a vital resource for students, Cerda said.

“We want it to be the first point of contact so that students who want to continue their education will be able to see what is available for them,” Cerda said. “The primary obstacle for many of these students is financial, and there is a lot of a lack of communication about the opportunities available to them, so one of the primary things we want to maintain on this portal is scholarship opportunities.

“Some students don’t know that they may qualify for some state grants and financial aid,” he said. “We're hoping that faculty members will be able to direct students to this resource, or to my office, so we can discuss what options may be available for them.”

For more information on the STC DREAMer Center visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/dreamers/ or call 956-872-8308.

Contributing to the training of companies is a game changer, Darling said as the city’s Development Corporation presented STC with a $259,440 job-training grant Dec. 6 to provide customized training related to advanced manufacturing for companies located within the city limits.

The funding period for the grant is from Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019 and will include equipment, salaries and supplies provided by STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) based at the college’s Technology Campus.

“As I listen to the various speakers talk about how critical this workforce development is to the economic future of our region, it makes me feel real good because this is why the institution was created,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “When you look back, the premise was so basic and so simple. If you are going to grow an economy and get people out of poverty, you need jobs. But how are you going to get jobs if you don’t have a skilled workforce?

“We need to put in place training opportunities and high quality training so that we have the most competitive and best prepared workforce in the country which will attract companies to our region,” Dr. Reed said.

Speakers at the check presentation along with Dr. Reed and McAllen mayor Darling included STC board of trustees chairman Paul Rodriguez, operations manager for Regal Ken Shaffer, Grand Rapids Foam Technologies plant manager Dan Robinson, and McAllen EDC president and CEO Keith Patridge.

“People don’t realize all that it takes in manufacturing like certificates, trainings and everything else so we are proud to be a part of that, especially with something as meaningful as safety training,” Darling said. “There will be careers in the future that we still don’t even know what they are so it’s an exciting time to be here.

“We appreciate our partnership with South Texas College, which we have had since the very beginning,” Darling said. “It’s just a fantastic partnership and it’s a game changer for the city just like it was 25 years ago when we started.”

IAM at STC specializes in building a manufacturing workforce through quality-customized training, which involves over 300 courses at STC that have been tailored for the needs of local industry.

The strength of the college lies in modifying, customizing, or developing new courses that companies need in order to thrive in the region.

IAM works with various manufacturers in the Rio South Texas Region to improve financial performance, create higher efficiency and productivity, and obtain greater employee engagement and lower turnover.

“Some of the training is very specific to the employee such as learning additional skills, and we also do company-wide training to improve efficiencies and automation training,” said Dr. Carlos Margo, associate dean for the Office of Industry Training and Economic Development at STC. “It really spans a broad range of training, and that’s what these funds allows us to do.”

During a press conference held November 29 at the Texas State Capitol, South Texas College was awarded $307, 219 for the planning phase of a 13,300 sq. ft. indoor 12-lane target range through TPWD’s Target Range Grant Program.

Upon completion of the planning phase and environmental compliance grant requirements, South Texas College is eligible to receive a grant for the construction of the range in the amount of $2,447,382, totaling to $2,754,601 in grant funds. This grant funding is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, supported by sportsmen’s dollars derived from the sale of hunting licenses and by federal excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition as authorized by the Pittman-Robertson Act.

South Texas College also plans to contribute $1,280,775 toward this project. The total combined funds for this project amount to $4,035,376.

The target range will be open to the public for firearms safety training, practice shooting, and skills development. In addition to the target range, the College will also provide educational opportunities, including face-to-face Hunter Education courses approved by TPWD and led by certified Texas Hunter Education instructors.

TPWD’s Target Range Grant Program Coordinator Renan Zambrano explains why the Target Range Program is important.

“The goal of the program is to create public access for recreational shooting opportunities and to enhance educational resources by promoting firearm and hunting safety,” said Zambrano. “We accomplish this by partnering on target range stewardship projects with nonprofit, private, and civic organizations with common objectives for providing safe, responsible and ethical firearm education and target range facilities for the general welfare of the community. We believe this project in particular is uniquely suited to serve the needs across several Rio Grande Valley communities.”

The College’s Law Enforcement Academy and the College Department of Public Safety will also benefit from access to this state-of-the art target range facility.

South Texas College’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence center is dedicated to all local, state, and federal law enforcement, public safety, and fire science professionals.

South Texas College Chairman of the Board of Trustees Paul Rodriguez says this unique collaboration will benefit the region.

“Our board of trustees is pleased to pursue the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Target Range Program as it aligns extremely well with the type of training and educational programs we envisioned for our Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence,” said Rodriguez. “The prospect of having this type of facility for the general public as well as law enforcement agencies is ideal.”

The college will be seeking additional funds to expand the target range to the law enforcement community in the future; STC President, Dr. Shirley A. Reed, says access to the covered target range will assist law enforcement professionals in receiving first-rate firearm training.

“South Texas College is excited to partner with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. This target range will not only provide hunter education and general public education opportunities, but will also lay the groundwork for an expanded facility to provide state-of-the-art firearms training and qualification opportunities for our many law enforcement and public safety partners.”

Texas Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen stated the significance of the Target Range Grant Program during the press conference in Austin.

"I appreciate Texas Parks and Wildlife for working with our local, state, and federal partners to make this investment possible. This grant would not have been awarded without the dedication, cooperation, and commitment from all those involved,” said Hinojosa. “The educational and training opportunities provided for the public and law enforcement will further enhance the public safety of our region."

The estimated completion date for the target range is February 2021.

At a check signing ceremony on Nov. 1, Weslaco presented STC with a $100,000 grant to be used by the college to provide customized training for small businesses in retail, manufacturing, and logistics. The funding period for the grant is from Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019.

Guests in attendance at the check presentation included STC trustees Paul Rodriguez, Gary Gurwitz, Rene Guajardo and Weslaco EDC treasurer Stephen Charlton.

“I can’t help but reflect, it was actually the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation that brought STC to Weslaco at the old TexSun fruit juice plant,” said South Texas College President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “We are fulfilling the purpose of STC, which has always been to develop a competitive workforce.

“We know that the only way out of poverty is with a job, and the only way to get a good paying job is by having that competitive workforce,” Dr. Reed said. “That has always been our mission and we have always been steadfast and dedicated to that mission.”

The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at STC specializes in building a manufacturing workforce through quality-customized training.

Customized training involves over 300 courses at STC that have been tailored for the needs of local industry. The strength of the college lies in modifying, customizing, or developing new courses that companies need in order to thrive in the region.

IAM also works with various manufacturers in the Rio South Texas Region to improve financial performance, create higher efficiency and productivity, and obtain greater employee engagement and lower turnover.

“Workforce training is one of the biggest negotiators in today’s economic projects,” said EDC treasurer Charlton. “Before a company even considers moving to this area to grow their business, having a ready workforce means that employees are equipped with the right skill set for their needs.

“This grant provides money for student training at no cost to the student or employer,” Charlton said. “On behalf of the Board of the EDC, we are honored to be a part of this partnership.”

That experience shaped his future career choice, he said. Now thanks to an innovative apprenticeship program created through a partnership with South Texas College, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen Independent School District, Aaron, 17, has secured an internship with Boggus Ford in McAllen.

Hoping to gain experience within the dealership’s automotive repair shop, Aaron, who currently attends McAllen High School, says he is one step closer to beginning his career as a third generation automotive technician.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me. I have never experienced anything like this,” he said. “I hope to work in the shop and build up my knowledge of cars when it comes their performance and how they go together.”

STC in partnership with the McAllen Chamber and McAllen ISD’s Youth Apprenticeship Program held a ceremonial signing day for students entering apprenticeship agreements and work contracts Oct. 31.

Students will now begin work in a variety of McAllen businesses gaining experience and possible network connections for future careers.

“This is a new strategy for workforce development in the Valley,” said STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed. “It has been used in other parts of the country, but we are bringing it to the Valley. This is an opportunity for a high school student to have a mentor and work with a top-notch employer, get credit for some technical classes, and actually be employed 15 to 20 hours.

“Our mission is always student success, it is always contributing to the economic development of the region, and contributing to families,” Dr. Reed said. “A good life begins with a good job.”

Participating McAllen businesses in the first ever event included Santa Fe Steakhouse, The Monitor, House Wine and Bistro, SALT New American Table, Double Tree Hotel, Clark Chevrolet, Boggus Ford, and Atlas Electrical, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Plumbing Services Inc.

More than 65 students participated in the interview process, and business owners seeking “top notch” talent from among high schools in McAllen selected only 15. Students were originally selectively recruited by MISD CTE staff, and then had the opportunity to listen to presentations from each of the businesses.

They were then able to choose which of the businesses to interview with. Businesses then selected students from among those who interviewed with them.

“I came into this program looking for an opportunity to impart some culinary knowledge on students interested in the field, and after interviewing dozens of them, I realized quickly that we had a special group that is uniquely prepared,” said chef Larry Delgado, owner of Salt and House Wine as well as chairman of the board for the McAllen Chamber.

“The professionalism of these students has just shown right through,” Delgado said. “I feel these students can be great ambassadors for our brand and help us continue to build that in McAllen.”

The youth apprenticeships are a collaborative effort intended to provide college instruction and paid, on-the-job training for students who are enrolled in STC’s U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program.

While participating in the program, students take classes at STC while working on the job alongside a mentor. These students are also compensated as they work to receive a U.S. Department of Labor credential as a result of the training program.

“This is something that is going to set you apart from the majority of the workforce in the United States, and you are going to be part of an elite group who will eventually become journeyworkers,” Dr. Carlos Margo, STC Associate Dean of Industry Training and Economic Development told students at the ceremony. “You will be certified by the US Department of Labor, and it starts the day you start working with your respective employers and the first day you take a class at STC, and will continue even after you graduate high school.”

MISD’s Youth Apprenticeship Program is the first of its kind in the region. MISD administrators say the program fills the critical gap between college and the workforce, allowing students to gain essential skills even as high school juniors and seniors.

McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. J.A. Gonzalez says the apprenticeship program is one of the finest programs he has seen in over 21 years as an educator.

“South Texas College is a very progressive college, and in working with STC President Dr. Shirley A. Reed and Dr. Margo and our chamber of commerce, we came together to create this opportunity for students,” Gonzalez said. “We are excited to be working together, and all of our business leaders who came forward are a key component so we are very proud of the opportunities we are providing for these students.

“It’s just one big team effort and one big vision, and we are going to keep it growing,” Gonzalez said. “There are so many people working to make this happen so when you look at this apprenticeship program it’s going to give people opportunities to learn on the job and build relationships with these business owners.”