Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationSTC Helps Alumna Reach the Top of the Real Estate Industry
Olga Arriaga, a graduate of the South Texas College (STC) Continuing Education and Advanced Training Real Estate program, credits her education for her successful career in real estate. Now the broker and owner of Dolce Vita Realty, Arriaga leads a team serving clients across South Texas. She valued the in-person learning experience at STC, which provided her with essential skills in contracts and client service. Arriaga emphasizes the importance of leadership and ongoing education in her career. She encourages prospective students to consider STC’s programs as a pathway to success, highlighting the practical skills gained through their training.
EducationHow One STC Biology Instructor is Changing How Students See Science
Xiomara Galvan Garcia, a Biology instructor at South Texas College (STC), is transforming how students perceive science by linking biological concepts to everyday experiences. Since her arrival at STC in 2017, she has nurtured curiosity and confidence among her students, encouraging them to see biology as the study of life itself. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Garcia holds a master's degree in Biology from UTRGV. She emphasizes the importance of community at STC, where she feels supported by colleagues. Garcia aims to inspire future scientists and healthcare professionals by fostering resilience and passion for learning in her students.
EducationRio Grande Valley IDEA Schools host free backpack giveaways
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley is hosting six free back-to-school backpack giveaways throughout July and August across its Valley campuses. According to a news release from IDEA Public Schools, the statewide initiative is designed to help students get a head start on the upcoming school year. Joseph Trevino,
EducationIDEA Public Schools to host free backpack giveaways across Rio Grande Valley
IDEA Public Schools is organizing six free backpack giveaways throughout the Rio Grande Valley in July and August as part of the Backpacks for Bright Futures initiative. The first 600 school-aged children at each event will receive a backpack filled with essential school supplies. Children must attend with a guardian, and there is no limit on the number of backpacks per family. Local businesses will also provide additional resources and activities. The events kick off on July 11, 2026, at IDEA Weslaco Academy, with subsequent giveaways in Edinburg, La Joya, San Juan, Palmview, and Brownsville. More details can be found at www.ideapublicschools.org.
EducationEdcouch-Elsa ISD announces lone finalist for superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District Board of Trustees named Rosalba De Hoyos as the lone finalist for its superintendent position. The school board voted to name De Hoyos as the lone finalist on Monday during a regular board meeting. "I am honored by the board’s confidence," De Hoyos said. Under state law,
EducationNew Fleet Leaders Emerge as Navy Officers Complete Surface Navigation Course
The Surface Navigation Course at Surface Warfare Schools Command is training the next generation of Navy navigators. This program, which has expanded from five to seven weeks, combines traditional celestial navigation with modern systems like the Voyage Management System. Students learn to navigate without relying solely on technology, preparing them for real-world challenges where GPS may be unavailable. The course has resulted in a 17% increase in graduation rates, equipping sailors with the skills to confidently manage navigation under pressure. The integration of enlisted personnel as assistant navigators enhances the effectiveness of navigation teams on ships.
EducationIDEA Public Schools Hosts Six FREE Backpack Giveaways in July and August
IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley is organizing six free backpack giveaways as part of its Backpacks for Bright Futures initiative. Scheduled for July and August, these events aim to equip students with essential school supplies and foster community connections. The first 600 children at each giveaway will receive a backpack filled with items like rulers and pencils. Families can also engage with local vendors and organizations for additional resources. The events will take place at various IDEA campuses, starting on July 11 in Weslaco and concluding on August 8 in Brownsville. Children must attend with a guardian to receive a backpack.
EducationTexas community colleges showing small signs of recovery after enrollment decline, report finds
Texas community colleges are showing signs of recovery after years of declining enrollment, according to a recent report. While high school graduation rates have increased, many graduates have chosen to enter the workforce or attend out-of-state colleges. Currently, around 700,000 students are enrolled in community colleges, down from 750,000 fifteen years ago. To address this, colleges have expanded dual credit programs and short-term credential offerings. The report highlights improved student outcomes despite skepticism about higher education’s value among younger Americans. Changes in funding models in 2023 aim to support colleges based on student success rather than enrollment numbers.
EducationThirty Years of Opportunity as VAMOS Transforms Lives Across the Rio Grande Valley
VAMOS celebrated its 30th Annual Scholarship Banquet in McAllen, awarding $1 million in renewable scholarships to the Class of 2026. Since its inception in 1996, the organization has provided over $27 million in scholarships to more than 1,450 students in the Rio Grande Valley, combining financial aid with mentorship. Keynote speaker Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez, a VAMOS alumna, shared how the scholarship transformed her life. The event highlighted the collaboration of educators, business leaders, and donors committed to expanding educational opportunities. VAMOS continues to support students throughout their college journey, fostering a network of successful alumni across various professions.
EducationEdcouch-Elsa ISD names lone finalist for superintendent
The Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Rosalba De Hoyos as the lone finalist for the position of superintendent. This decision was made during a board meeting on July 6. Following a 21-day waiting period, her contract will be reviewed. Dr. De Hoyos has 31 years of experience in Texas public education, primarily in the Rio Grande Valley. Currently, she serves as the associate superintendent for instruction at McAllen ISD, where she previously acted as interim superintendent in 2023. Her extensive background includes roles as a teacher, counselor, and principal, among others.
EducationGovernor Launches Texas Classroom Commission
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the formation of the Texas Classroom Commission, which will be led by Courtney Boswell MacDonald from Kerrville. This initiative aims to involve Texas educators in enhancing public education and student success. The Commission will gather recommendations from exemplary teachers to improve classroom instruction and learning environments. It builds on previous investments in education and teacher salaries made by state leaders. MacDonald, a former teacher and current chair of the State Board for Educator Certification, will guide the Commission, which is expected to deliver its recommendations before the 90th Legislative Session.
EducationOperation Imagination Summer Camps at IMAS, July 6 – 24
Operation Imagination Summer Camp will take place at the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) in McAllen from July 6 to 24. Designed for children, the camp offers a week of engaging activities centered around science, art, and engineering. Campers will participate in hands-on projects, explore museum exhibits, and enjoy outdoor play. Various sessions are available for different age groups, with camps running weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $200 per week, with discounts for IMAS members. Registration is required, and spots fill quickly.
EducationPrestigious ACS Catalyst Scholarship Awarded to STC Chem Grad
Yahir Rodriguez, a 22-year-old graduate from South Texas College (STC), has achieved significant academic success by earning an associate degree in Chemistry and receiving the prestigious ACS Catalyst Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This national scholarship honors students with strong academic records and leadership potential in chemistry. Rodriguez, who initially started in Radiologic Technology, switched majors after discovering his passion for chemistry. He credits his college experience, including friendships and mentorships, for his growth. Rodriguez aims to pursue a bachelor's degree in chemistry and eventually become an Anesthesiologist Assistant, encouraging others to seize opportunities in STEM fields.
EducationFive Rio Grande Valley cities rank as least educated in U.S.: WalletHub report
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Five cities in the Rio Grande Valley ranked as the least educated in America via a WalletHub report. Out of 150 large metropolitan areas, Brownsville and Harlingen ranked 148 for educational attainment and received a 14.81 score. McAllen, Edinburg and Mission ranked dead last in educational attainment with a score of
EducationValley event aims to encourage children's literacy skills
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) -- A new event in the Rio Grande Valley is giving kids a chance to turn big ideas into real businesses. Mija Media House and the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to launch the Kids Mercadito event. The event is inspired by 'Raspas con Mi Grandpa', a children's book authored
Education'The perfect collaboration': High school veterinary tech programs give experience while helping stray population
McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley is home to a massive pet population - a fact that Yaqui Animal Rescue knows all too well. “We actually did a study at Donna North High School, where we asked 300 students how many pets they had in their homes," said Alyssa Cerroni, Yaqui's media and outreach
EducationSTC receives $75K grant from Metallica Scholars Initiative
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The legendary heavy-metal band Metallica is helping students at South Texas College build their careers through its nationally recognized scholarship initiative. South Texas College is one of 18 schools selected from across the country to receive a $75,000 grant. "Not every day can you say, hey, look, we're partnering up with
EducationCameron County Public Health to host kids summer camp
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Cameron County Public Health Department is hosting a summer camp this July to teach kids about public health. This year's camp is a whimsical medieval theme where kids will go on a quest to learn about public health and become public heroes. "The kids are going to get a lot
EducationSTC Faculty Honored for Using Metrics to Boost Student Outcomes
Serkan Celtek, director of Research and Analytical Services at South Texas College, has received a League of Excellence Award from the League for Innovation in the Community College. With 17 years at STC, Celtek emphasizes that data must be interpreted to tell meaningful stories about students and programs. His work supports various departments in making informed decisions through data analysis. Recently, he has modernized STC’s data resources with interactive dashboards and has contributed to AI initiatives by analyzing surveys on technology adoption. Celtek believes that innovation stems from curiosity and a commitment to improving student outcomes.