Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College is already having a huge impact for incoming Nikki Rowe freshman Yeshua Castillo, who is looking to turn an interest in construction into an opportunity to prepare for a career before he finishes high school.
Castillo was among those who recently gathered at STC’s Technology Campus for a Summer Bridge orientation introducing the inaugural group of students who are entering McAllen Independent School District’s Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program.
Launching this fall at Nikki Rowe, the P-TECH program will allow participating students like Castillo to earn college credit and a tuition-free Level 1 certificate from STC in either Electrician Technology or Construction Management while completing their high school diplomas.
“I have always liked seeing people work and I like working with my hands. Maybe this program can help me do both,” Castillo said. “I am really interested in construction and I’m hoping to receive the skills to one day oversee people.”
Through the P-TECH program, students will begin taking courses at the Technology Campus during their sophomore year and gain workplace experience through partnerships with area employers and McAllen ISD’s Facilities, Maintenance and Operations department.
“STC is proud to partner with McAllen ISD to expand dual credit pathways through our P-TECH partnership that provides students with early access to college, industry-recognized credentials and meaningful career opportunities,” said Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., STC associate vice president of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships.
De Leon said the addition of electrical and construction pathways reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening the regional workforce.
During the orientation, students learned about STC’s dual credit opportunities, participated in team-building activities and toured areas of the Technology Campus connected to their future coursework.
STC Dual Credit Success Coach Paulina Handy, who was on-hand to meet with students during the orientation, said the event offered students a first look at college expectations and the hands-on learning environments they will experience through P-TECH.
“We are giving the students some real-world experiences and showing them areas like Automotive Technology and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) here on campus,” Handy said. “The most important part is giving students opportunities beyond the high school experience and opening those doors early enough so they can earn an associate degree or certificate and then continue with us through traditional routes.”
Following Summer Bridge, STC enrollment staff will assist the students with the college application and registration process. Students will also receive continued support through additional dual credit activities during the school year.
Nikki Rowe Assistant Principal Amanda Sanchez, who oversees P-TECH for the school district, said the partnership will provide students with the resources and guidance needed to succeed in college courses while developing technical and workplace skills.
“They will be graduating from high school with a Level 1 certificate, along with their high school diploma and experience in the workforce,” Sanchez said. “The professors and instructors here will be molding our future community members while these students are just starting their high school careers.”
For Castillo, entering a Construction career offers the chance to work with others and watch a shared vision take shape.
Inspired by the strong work ethic of his uncles, he said students entering P-TECH should commit themselves fully to the opportunity.
“If you are going to do it, you have to put everything into it,” Castillo said. “Why not go all out and see where that takes you.”
Information source: STC
