Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
In the new year, South Texas College is introducing a new community course – Essentials of AI, or artificial intelligence.
The course, beginning January 20, offered through STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, is an entry-level introduction to AI, taught through faculty from STC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology and Cybersecurity programs.
Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Economic Development Anahid Petrosian, Ph.D., said for the last two years, STC has invested in preparing students, faculty and staff for the rapidly evolving world of AI.
“With the launch of our new Essentials of AI course, we are excited to extend that commitment beyond our campus and into the heart of our local community,” she said. “We want our region to have access to high-quality, real-world AI training from experts right here at STC.”
The 60-hour credit course is online, self-paced, includes instructor support and focuses on four modules: Foundations of AI, Ethical Foundations of AI, Applied AI and Machine Learning and Essentials of AI.
Erika Guerra, STC Advanced Manufacturing program chair, said the goal of this course is to encourage an interest in artificial intelligence.
“Our courses will empower our community with foundational skills in areas such as Python, a programming language, data modeling and ethics in AI, while opening pathways into certificate programs such as the new AI certificate launching next year, and AI in Manufacturing,” she said. “Overall, the goal is to have participants interested in learning more about AI and enrolling in our new credit courses.”
STC will be launching a new certificate and associate degree AI program in the fall of 2026, and those involved in designing this community course hope that this will give insight into what they could expect if they enroll or to spark an interest.
Cybersecurity faculty member Hector Trevino, said in addition to planting the AI seed of interest, this course will also give participants the confidence they need to face the ever-evolving world of technology.
“I will be teaching the Foundations of AI, a course that will benefit our community by helping students understand the technologies shaping the world around them,” said Trevino. “This course is important because AI now plays a role in education, careers and everyday decision-making. Students will learn core skills in coding, data, problem-solving and how AI projects are designed and applied. The goal is to build their confidence, encourage innovation and prepare them for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.”
Onesimo Trevino Gonzalez, also a Cybersecurity faculty member, said he has been tasked with the largest module, which will focus primarily on machine and data learning, data import processes and basic techniques in computer visuals.
These modules will also revolve around command writing and programming to execute and verify AI responses.
“Designing this course has been a labor of love for AI technology and our community,” he said. “We’ve made everything as easy, as simple as possible. We want our students to succeed, learn and be encouraged. Every module connects and works together. It’s going to open eyes to AI and really give our region a clear understanding of how this technology is evolving, right here at home.”
Although the program is online, Trevino Gonzalez and those involved in the implementation of this course, have ensured that through lecture, theory, hands-on practice and quizzes, students will be prepared to implement AI personally or in the workplace, giving many marketable skills that are in demand.
“There is a huge misconception about AI taking over our jobs or the world, and that is not true. AI cannot think for itself…it needs human input,” he said. “This makes AI skills some of the most marketable. The demand is increasing, we will see a surge, and we want our students and our community to be ready. STC is leading the way.”
Petrosian hopes that this upcoming course continues to evolve with time and serves as a steppingstone into STC’s newest AI certificate/degree program.
Our hope is that this course opens doors, sparks curiosity and inspires more community members to pursue additional certifications or even a degree with us,” she said. “This is an exciting step forward not just for STC, but for the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
For more information on STC’s AI community course or to enroll, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/career/computer/.
