Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
WESLACO, Texas – For many middle and high school students, stepping onto a college campus can be intimidating, but the South Texas College (STC) Youth College Days event at the Mid-Valley Campus, aimed to change that by showing students that higher education is not only attainable, but also within reach.
Hosted over two days, the event welcomed students ages 11-18 and introduced them to the college experience through campus tours, interactive sessions and hands-on classroom experiences. Participants learned about academic programs, financial aid, student resources and other opportunities available at STC. Students also attended a class of their choice to experience what life as a college student is like.
For STC Sociology faculty member and event organizer Jenny Chamberlain, Youth College Days are deeply personal.
“As a first-generation college graduate who grew up in poverty, I understand how overwhelming the college journey can feel,” she said. “I organize this event to give students and their families hope, along with a clear roadmap to higher education. In the Rio Grande Valley, many students don’t lack ambition, they simply don’t know where to begin, how to pay for college or what resources are available. Through this event, we show them that college is possible and that STC is here to support them every step of the way.”
Throughout the event, students toured the campus, met with faculty and staff, learned about career pathways and gained firsthand exposure to the college environment.
One of those participants was 12-year-old Liam Last Name, who said the experience opened his eyes to the many opportunities available at STC.
“I learned that STC offers so many different programs and opportunities for students, he said. “Seeing everything the college has to offer made me want to come here one day so I can build a better future for myself.”
Parents also left with a better understanding of how STC can help their children achieve their educational goals.
“I wanted my son to experience a college campus in a fun and welcoming environment while meeting other students his age,” said parent Kynda Herrera. “It was important for him to see the opportunities available to him and realize that college is something he can achieve.”
Associate Professor of Business Administration Cynthia Sanchez said giving students an authentic college experience can have a lasting impact.
“Youth College Days give students an authentic glimpse into college life,” she said. “By stepping into a real classroom and interacting with faculty and students, they begin to see themselves here. My hope is that this experience plants a seed of curiosity that grows into a goal of pursuing higher education after high school.”
For parent Dulce Martinez, the event also provided valuable guidance for families navigating the college process for the first time.
“This experience has been incredibly valuable because my daughter is the first in our family preparing for college, and we didn’t know where to start,” she said. “The information and guidance we received gave us a better understanding of the opportunities available at STC and the steps she can take to get here. I’m very grateful for this event and hope to attend more workshops like this in the future.”
As students left campus with new knowledge, connections and a clearer vision of their future, Chamberlain said she hopes they walk away believing college is an achievable goal.
“If students leave believing that college is possible and knowing they have a place at STC, then we’ve accomplished our goal,” she said. “We want them to see this campus as a place where they belong and where their future can begin.”
