Texas Border Business
Donna Independent School District (Donna ISD), in partnership with South Texas College (STC), have launched its first-ever dual credit cohorts in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Automotive Technology, taking place at the Mid-Valley Campus this spring 2026 Semester.
This milestone partnership marks a significant step forward in expanding career and technical education opportunities for Donna High School students by providing access to college-level instruction, hands-on training and industry-aligned certifications while students are still in high school.
“This partnership with South Texas College is a game-changer for our students,” said Donna ISD Executive Director of Leadership and College, Career and Military Readiness (CCMR), Deborah L. Medrano. “It creates a direct bridge between high school and career, giving students access to college-level instruction, industry-aligned certifications and real-world skills while they are still with us. Most importantly, it opens doors, allowing our students to graduate not only with a diploma, but with confidence, credentials and a clear pathway into high-demand careers.”
Students enrolled in the HVAC program will complete coursework at STC’s Mid-Valley Campus, gaining real-world experience in professional lab environments designed to mirror industry standards.
“Hands-on training is critical because it allows students to move beyond textbooks and truly experience their chosen field,” said Medrano. “Programs like Automotive Technology and HVAC help students discover their strengths, build technical skills and understand workplace expectations early on. When students can apply what they learn in real environments, they become more engaged, more motivated and better prepared for life after graduation, whether that’s college, the workforce or continued technical training.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment between Donna ISD and STC to strengthen workforce pipelines and address regional labor demands.
“This partnership was inspired by a shared commitment to create clear, hands-on pathways into high-demand careers,” said STC Director of Dual Credit Programs Relations and Engagement Lisa Aleman. “By working with Donna ISD, we’re meeting students where they are and providing access to industry-relevant training that leads directly to opportunity. Automotive Technology and HVAC-R are workforce needs in our region, and this collaboration allows us to prepare students early with the skills employers are seeking.”
Aleman emphasized that the partnership aligns directly with STC’s mission to serve the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
“Serving the Rio Grande Valley means investing in our students, our schools and our local workforce,” said Aleman. “This partnership reflects STC’s mission to expand access to education that strengthens our communities and our economy. By bringing college-level technical training into high schools, we’re removing barriers, building talent locally and supporting the long-term growth of the RGV.”
Early exposure to college-level technical education plays a key role in shaping student confidence and career readiness.
“It helps students see themselves as capable, college-ready and career-focused,” said Aleman. “When students gain hands-on experience and earn college credit while still in high school, it builds confidence, focuses their career goals and motivates them to take the next step toward a credential, degree or high-demand career.”
Looking ahead, Donna ISD sees the partnership continuing to grow.
“We see this partnership continuing to expand in both depth and opportunity,” said Medrano. “Our vision is to grow additional career pathways, increase dual-credit access and strengthen industry connections so even more students can benefit. Together with STC, we want to create a seamless pipeline from high school to college to career, ensuring our students are workforce-ready and equipped to succeed in our regional economy.”
The launch of these inaugural dual credit cohorts underscores a shared commitment to innovation, access and student success which positions Donna ISD students for strong futures in high-demand technical careers.
For more information on STC Dual Credit Programs, visit southtexascollege.edu/dual/.
Information source: STC
