TEXAS BORDER BUSINESS
McAllen, TX (July 2, 2015) – South Texas College (STC) has joined the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in an initiative to engage and support students age 50 and over. Organized by AACC, the Plus 50 Initiative is a grant program focused on workforce training and career preparation for the plus 50 student population.
Since the partnership began in 2013, students have earned certificates in areas including health care, social services, and education through the Department of Continuing Professional & Workforce Education (CPWE) at STC.
“It was an honor to have received this grant from the American Association of Community Colleges” said Juan Carlos Aguirre, associate dean of CPWE. “It’s an even greater honor to serve the local plus 50 population and empower them with knowledge and skills that lead to demand occupations.”
Eligible participants interested in gaining marketable skills and credentials are encouraged to apply for the grant as funds are still available. In total, 29 students are expected to benefit from the program. One of those students is 59-year old Juan Torres of Pharr, TX.
Last fall, Torres walked into an advising office to gain information about degree options. It was then that he learned of the Plus 50 Initiative. With an interest in the health care field, he decided to apply for a grant. Just seven weeks later, Torres completed the Phlebotomy Program and is currently gaining hands-on experience at Nuestra Clinica Del Valle in San Juan.
“From basics to more advanced biology and anatomy, every course subject has been interesting and very useful,” he said. “My favorite aspect about the field is analysis. It’s our job to collect blood samples so that a physician can have the necessary information to find a diagnosis and treat the patient.”
Since opening its doors to the community in 2006, CPWE has served thousands of students, 15 percent of them being age 50 and over. Among the growing number of CPWE programs include Alternative Teacher Certification, Cake Decorating, Floral Design, English as a Second Language, Phlebotomy, Real Estate, Computer Applications, Welding, GED, Bus Driving, and Truck Driving.
For more information on the Plus 50 Initiative or other continuing education opportunities, contact the Department of Continuing Professional & Workforce Education at (956) 872-3585 or visit cpe.southtexascollege.edu.
