Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
DONNA, Texas — Efrain Gomez, treasurer of the South Texas Builders Association (STBA), announced the creation of new nationally accredited construction trade programs during an interview conducted by Mario Guerrero, president of the South Texas Builders Association. The initiative is being developed through a partnership among STBA, Donna Independent School District, and South Texas College.
Speaking with Guerrero, Gomez said the program is intended to serve not only Donna but also Hidalgo County and the entire Rio Grande Valley by providing training in construction-related skills and expanding workforce opportunities.
“We’re here to announce an amazing project that’s not only going to benefit Donna, but it’s going to benefit Hidalgo County, and it’s going to benefit the Rio Grande Valley,” Gomez said.
According to Gomez, the programs are scheduled to launch in the fall of 2026 and will offer nationally accredited construction trade training. Students and members of the public will have opportunities to learn skills such as home building, blueprint reading, framing, concrete work, tile installation, and other construction trades.
Gomez credited several community leaders and industry partners for supporting the effort, including Dr. Ricardo Solis of South Texas College and Dr. Angela Dominguez, superintendent of Donna ISD.
“We are in partnership. We’re working up some partnerships with South Texas College. Big thank you to Dr. Ricardo Solis for having full support of what we’re trying to do here. Big thank you to Dr. Angela Dominguez. She’s been instrumental here at Donna ISD,”
Efrain Gomez
During the announcement, Guerrero said the program will be housed at a Donna ISD facility. He noted that the building behind them, located near the expressway, will serve as the site for the construction training programs and thanked Donna ISD for making the facility available.
During the interview, Guerrero noted that the programs will be available to both Donna ISD students and the general public. Gomez confirmed that enrollment efforts are underway and encouraged individuals interested in construction careers to participate.
“We encourage anybody that’s interested, or you know somebody that’s interested, to get into the construction field to give us a call,” Gomez said.
Guerrero said the program will provide opportunities for students in grades 9 through 12 to gain hands-on experience and learn skills that can lead to careers in the construction industry. He also noted that future offerings may expand into related professions connected to the housing industry.
According to Gomez, the program will be based in Donna and made possible through the support of Donna ISD, South Texas College, contractors, suppliers, and other industry partners.
The South Texas Builders Association was established in 2020 by builders seeking to strengthen the local construction industry and support one another. During the interview, Guerrero described Gomez as a key contributor to the organization since its founding. Preparations are underway for the fall 2026 launch as enrollment efforts continue throughout the region.
Organizers said enrollment is now open for interested students and members of the public. According to Guerrero, individuals seeking information about the construction trade programs may contact him at mario@stba.org or (956) 560-9823.
