Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College JagReconnect has proven its effectiveness of reengaging and reenrolling adult learners and opportunity youth, through a steady increase of enrollment that has garnered the attention of the Trellis Foundation.
The Trellis Foundation, a Texas-based champion of postsecondary programs that provides grants to support higher education practices and systems, recently awarded STC, $200,000 that will allow JagReconnect to expand its reach.
JagReconnect is STC’s Adult Promise initiative that reengages individuals with some college credit, but no credential, with the college, prioritizing those students nearest to completion.
Through this last-dollar initiative, these students accelerate their pathways towards completion and have access to financial assistance for tuition or paying off outstanding STC debt and receive personalized case management with a dedicated college navigator and wraparound support services.
“We see a lot of students who start their journey here at the college, but run into non-academic barriers, life circumstances that prevent them from finishing their education,” said Tony Matamoros, dean of Enrollment Services. “At STC, and other institutions of higher education, addressing these issues has become a focus, and for us, this is about providing students with a second chance.”
JagReconnect has served 273 students, since its inception in summer 2025, with nearly 70% of students earning a credential such as a certificate or associate degree, and more than 50% of students have continued their studies through spring 2026.
Luisa Ramirez, director for Office of Student Reengagement and JagReconnect program director, said after extensive research it was discovered that there were at least 30,000 people who had some college, but no credential in the region.
“Looking at this research, it became STC’s priority to rise to the occasion, be innovative and create bold change,” she said. “In 2022, through STC’s steadfast leadership and our biggest champion and supporter on this initiative (Tony) Matamoros, STC’s newest department was born, and we became the Office of Reengagement, dedicated to supporting returning adults and advancing affordability, persistence and completion.”
By having a proven students-centered model, JagReconnect’s high persistence, combined with immediate completions, shows the program is effectively accelerating student progress, a standout feature for Trellis.
STC’s reenrollment rate of 7.2% has far exceeded the national rate of 2.7% since JagReconnect was introduced.
Alma Garcia, Trellis Foundation chair, said from the students who greeted her team as they arrived to those who shared their stories, she recognizes how vital JagReconnect is to the campus and the community.
“When I see the middle of STC’s logo, I see a compass and it points in the right direction: Up, and the stories we’ve heard prove just that,” said Garcia. “There are many students, who like me many years ago, maybe get in the wrong line and have no guidance, but this program reconnects them to the people and the help they need, and it ensures that students, in the Rio Grande Valley, can make a connection. It is our honor, our pleasure to support STC’s JagReconnect program and like that famous line, ‘The best is yet to come.’”
One of those students offered a second chance through JagReconnect is Astrid Espinosa, a Communication major with a focus in public relations and advertising.
“What does opportunity look like? It looks like me, and for me that’s speaking with STC leadership and Trellis representatives, continuing my education, chasing my goals and knowing that someone believes in students like me to make this possible,” she said. “I had intended to only take one semester off, but that semester turned into eight years. Priorities shifted, responsibilities grew, and the path back wasn’t easy. I’m grateful to be back and pursuing my education with a purpose. I want to tell meaningful stories and use my voice to make an impact, and STC, JagReconnect and Trellis is allowing me and many others to do just that. Thank you making a difference in students’ lives.”
To make student success possible, JagReconnect is closely aligned with workforce advancement and regional economic mobility by enrolling students like ____ in high-demand, workforce aligned programs, such as health care, technology and education; reducing time-to-completion, accelerating entry into the workforce; and offering career advising and employer connections.
“When we invest in our students, we invest in our families, our workforce and the future of this region,” said Ramirez. “This is only the beginning. As we look toward the future we plan on scaling impact, with a powerful vision: No student who starts here at STC should be left behind.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. wrapped up the day with a thank you, to the Trellis Foundation.
“JagReconnect has quickly turned into a life-changing initiative for many students, and it takes partners and supporters, like the Trellis Foundation, to impact hundreds and create second chances,” said Solis. “Thank you to the Trellis Foundation for their keen interest in education, for visiting STC and learning about our programs, services, challenges and opportunities. The RGV is a unique location and we’re very excited to have Trellis as a partner and we look forward to expanding this partnership and solidifying the relationship for our students.”
For more information on STC JagReconnect, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/jagreconnect/.
