Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
Twenty-five years ago, South Texas College introduced its Dual Credit Programs to the Rio Grande Valley community. Today, the program is a national leader and the only in Texas to be accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, serving 21 partnering school districts and students from more than 70 partnering schools like those from Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen.
With partnerships that date back to 2000, Covenant Christian Academy is its newest partnering school, serving 22 of its sophomore and junior students. Entering the partnership, Head of School Milton Gonzalez, Ed.D. said it was the recommendations of trusted school leaders and mentors and his dedication to student success that encouraged him to take this step for his students.
“We’ve heard nothing but great things about STC’s dual credit program and we’ve seen firsthand the impact it has on our local students and families. We felt it was important to give our students the same opportunity,” said Gonzalez. “Since partnering with the college we are impressed with the services, resources and education our students are receiving. It’s great seeing our students thrive.”
As a dual credit student, Edinburg native and Covenant Christian Academy sophomore Joseph Martinez said he doesn’t know how to express how thankful he is to have not only the opportunity to combine high school and college, but to have access to help such as learning and tutoring, library and advisement services.
Martinez plans on attending Golden State Baptist College to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music and pastoral theology, with an ultimate goal of becoming a pastor.
“For me, life has been a lot about early starts and this is no different. This program has allowed me to integrate myself into a college system long before I even finish high school, which has been eye opening,” said the 16-year-old. “I certainly have a head start that will help me reach my dreams quicker. With God’s will, I can do this.”
For junior Caris Castro, STC’s tutoring services have been a reassurance to her. After completing four classes, she said she has been able to strengthen her skills and understanding of concepts she learns in class.
“I’m really broadening my horizon and gaining experience through this opportunity,” said the 17-year-old. “I’m saving time and money and learning new skills that will help me build a solid foundation I can rely on after high school.”
Castro plans on transferring to the University of Texas at Austin after graduating from high school and STC with an associate degree, to study psychology.
Covenant Christian Academy Secondary Assistant Principal Sabrina Garcia said currently there are 22 students who are taking advantage of the school’s partnership with STC and added their first cohort of dual credit students are on track to graduate with their associate degree next year.
“As a private school, entering into this partnership makes our students competitive when it comes to pursing a higher education,” said Garcia. “Our students are always commenting on how STC feels like home and how their building a community within the college that will set them up for success. We hope to keep growing this partnership and increasing the number of our students who have access to this opportunity.”
Gonzalez, like Garcia, looks forward to this partnership growing over the next few years to further establish the collaboration and his students’ access to higher education.
“At our school we provide a Christ-centered education, so dual credit allows us to expand in what we offer to prepare our students for life after high school,” said Gonzalez. “Enhancing our partnership would allow us to provide this opportunity to more students, add additional pathways that will benefit them and give them a holistic education and better impact the world wherever they go.”
STC’s Dual Credit program is celebrating 25 years of excellence, in providing dual credit opportunities and saving RGV families over $450 million dollars in tuition.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the South Texas College Dual Credit Programs, and this new partnership with Covenant Christian Academy reflects our continuous dedication to expanding access to dual credit programs, helping students in our community earn college credits while still in high school and empowering them to succeed in their academic and career goals,” said Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., associate vice president of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships. “Our new partnership with Covenant Christian Academy is a collaboration that strengthens our shared commitment to providing students with high-quality educational opportunities, and we look forward to our sustained partnership for years to come.”
For more information on STC’s Dual Credit Programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/dualcredit.
