Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College is opening doors to new careers for Rio Grande Valley families through a transformative partnership with Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) Independent School District.
By bringing its Continuing Education programs directly into PSJA facilities, STC is making training more accessible than ever, often at little to no cost.
“We are promoting programs where grants will cover 50% or even 100% of the cost,” said Elias Hernandez, STC Continuing Education program developer, referring to funding support through statewide partners such as Texas Mutual Insurance and the Texas Public Education Grant, which help cover tuition and fees. “Whether it’s CPR, welding or phlebotomy, we’re ready to serve the community. The best time to start is now, and investing in yourself is something you can never go wrong with.”
The effort reflects the college’s mission to serve students of all ages and provide pathways into the workforce, according to Hernandez.
Through the collaboration with PSJA ISD, STC is offering certifications in high-demand areas including Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), welding, CPR, forklift operation and phlebotomy.
Hernandez emphasized that the courses are open to anyone in the region, not just PSJA residents. Classes are scheduled at multiple PSJA sites to make training more convenient, reducing travel for participants who might otherwise need to commute to McAllen.
It is this flexibility that is key to expanding the college’s reach, he said.
“We want to make sure the community is aware of these opportunities,” Hernandez said. “Our job is to remove barriers, whether that means location, cost or simply making information easier to access.”
Erica Vecchio, PSJA ISD community engagement administrator, said the collaboration reflects the power of higher education to transform families. She said STC’s presence in the community empowers parents, who in turn inspire their children.
“It’s not just about certifications,” Vecchio said. “It’s about empowering our parents, which then empowers our children and community. When students see their parents learning and achieving, it inspires them to visualize their own future.”
Vecchio added that hosting STC sessions at neighborhood centers helps families feel comfortable asking questions and taking that first step.
“When they see PSJA and STC working together, it shows that we are all here to help them” Vecchio said. “That clarity brings peace of mind and a lot of excitement.”
For potential students like Andre Lara, the opportunities are life changing. Lara, who previously worked in the welding trade in Indiana said STC’s metal inert gas (MIG) welding program will allow him to formalize his skills and move into a more stable career.
“My goal is to get certified in MIG welding so I can really achieve my dreams,” Lara said. “This part-time job I have right now is not cutting it. Getting that certificate would mean everything, because then no one can question my ability.”
As classes officially begin later this month, STC and PSJA leadership say that together they are committed to expanding continuing education across the Valley.
“Every time we see families light up with possibility, it reminds us why this work matters,” said Vecchio. “With STC leading the way, the future is closer than ever for our community.”
For more information on courses available through STC’s Continuing Education department visit www.southtexascollege.edu/cpit/.
Information source: STC
