Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – This semester, South Texas College has welcomed more than 200 students in its English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at the college’s Pecan Plaza.
ESL instructors are encouraging students to think long-term and consider the benefits that come from grasping the English language.
“Speaking English can open many doors and the opportunities are endless. We encourage students not just to think of short-term goals or simply mastering the English language, but instead, focus on long-term goals and where it can take them,” said ESL Instructor Elizabeth Herrera. “I am excited to be a part of this program and what it brings to our community. Anyone who is considering refining their English language skills or maybe just starting to learn the language, would greatly benefit from our ESL program.”
ESL courses at STC are made possible through Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) grants. Last summer, the TWC awarded $83 million to 40 grantees, like STC, statewide thanks in part to a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education.
STC was awarded $1 million through a grant dedicated to helping adult learners across Texas improve English proficiency, earn high school equivalency, gain industry-recognized credentials and achieve digital literacy. Through the grant, the college is providing ESL instruction for 738 students and ESL/industry-based training to 48 students at its PSJA Ballew Center in Pharr, Starr County campus, Pecan Plaza facility in McAllen and Mid-Valley area later this spring.
STC’s Continuing, Professional and Industry Training department provides in-person as well as a variety of industry-based online courses ranging from health care to manufacturing or entrepreneurship.
“Last year, we were awarded funding from TWC to be able to provide free ESL classes for the community. These classes are designed to help individuals improve their English skills to be able to find gainful employment or improve their education through a training or credit program,” said Olivia De La Rosa, dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. “We know that there is a great need for ESL classes in our community and the response we have received from the community confirms that. We are so proud of the students that have started the program and who have taken the first step to a better life for themselves and their families.”
ESL student Amparo Morales said since arriving to the United States more than 18 years ago from Jalisco, she has raised a family and established a small business, crafting and selling hand-made tumblers and cups, which she uses to support her son, who is also a college student.
“It has been a priority for me over all these years to learn more and more English. I started not knowing any English at all, but I have made the effort to speak the language as best as I can and write well too. My clients appreciate it, and it helps my business,” Morales said. “The way I see it is, we are living in this country, so that means it’s a necessity to learn the language so we can get ahead in life and in business. Now is the time to have the tools to be successful.”
For more information on all the offerings made available through STC Continuing, Professional and Industry Training department, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/cpit/.
