Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
South Texas College (STC), Donna Independent School District and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) have partnered to launch the region’s first dual credit Basic County Corrections Academy, creating a new career pathway that will allow high school students to earn a County Corrections Specialist Occupational Skills Award while still in high school.
“Being the first always involves risk, but with that risk comes great reward,” said STC Board of Trustee Chair Paul Rodriguez. “For us, this is the beginning of something much bigger. We’ve always talked about economic development and creating jobs, but today we’re focused on building careers. This program gives students a foundation that can lead not only to immediate employment, but also to associate and bachelor’s degrees, all beginning while they’re still in high school.”
The inaugural partnership will provide up to 20 students from Donna and Donna North High School the opportunity to participate in the program. Designed for high school seniors, the academy will prepare students to meet the requirements for licensing as Texas county jailers, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education.
Through the collaboration, STC, Donna ISD and TCOLE are expanding access to career-focused education while helping meet the workforce needs of county correctional facilities across Texas.
STC Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in students while building stronger workforce pipelines.
“Today’s ceremony is more than just signing an agreement,” she said. “It is about investing in our students, strengthening career pathways and creating a model that can inspire education and workforce partnerships across Texas,” De Leon said.
Upon meeting the program requirements and obtaining licensure, graduates will be eligible to seek employment as county jailers anywhere in Texas.
“This partnership reflects what STC is all about, creating innovative opportunities that open doors for our students,” STC President Ricardo J. Solis. “By working alongside Donna ISD and TCOLE, we’re building a pathway that allows students to earn valuable credentials, prepare for meaningful careers and make an immediate impact in their communities. We’re proud to continue developing partnerships like this that transform lives and strengthen our workforce.”
TCOLE representative Sgt. Sadie Stevens said the agency is proud to partner with STC and Donna ISD.
“Donna ISD and STC are willing to step into the unknown because they see this is about the students,” Stevens said. “Students can take their license to any county jail throughout Texas and get a job. They are serving their communities and giving back to the people who poured so much into them.”
Donna ISD Superintendent Angela Dominguez, Ed.D., said the district is excited to offer students an opportunity to begin preparing for careers in public safety before graduating from high school.
“We’re excited for our students to be exposed to this opportunity early and to have the chance to enter the workforce ready for college, careers or the military,” Dominguez said. “This program will ensure our students are prepared for that next step of whatever they choose.”
Donna ISD seniors interested in this first-of-its-kind program should contact their school counselors.
