Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationSTC Welcomes Alumna as New District 7 Trustee
Rina Castillo, an Edcouch-Elsa resident, has been elected as the new trustee for District 7 on the South Texas College Board. With a focus on increasing college accessibility and opportunities, Castillo aims to enhance student support services, including food and clothing resources. She has a background in education and currently works as a Community and Economic Development agent, advocating for small business growth and financial empowerment. Castillo holds degrees in Business Administration and Public Affairs and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership. She emphasizes the importance of supporting students from underserved areas throughout her term, which lasts until May 2032.
EducationSTC Named to Nationally Recognized Metallica Scholars Initiative
South Texas College (STC) has been selected as one of 18 institutions nationwide to receive a $75,000 grant from the Metallica Scholars Initiative. This funding will support scholarships and equipment for students in the Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology program. STC's Executive Director Marcos Silva expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its potential to enhance workforce skills in the Rio Grande Valley. The grant is part of a larger initiative that has allocated over $3.3 million this year, aiming to assist nearly 4,000 students in the U.S. and 1,000 in the U.K. with career-oriented training.
EducationVAMOS Alumna Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez Urges Students to Let Their Choices Shape Their Future
Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez, a 1999 VAMOS scholarship recipient and current principal of the UTRGV McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy, inspired the latest VAMOS scholars during the 30th Annual VAMOS Scholarship Banquet. She shared her personal journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an educator, emphasizing that while circumstances can influence one's path, choices ultimately shape the future. Gonzalez highlighted the importance of perseverance, kindness, and mentorship, urging students to focus on long-term goals. The banquet also celebrated VAMOS's commitment to educational opportunities, awarding $1 million in scholarships to the 2026 class and receiving a $25,000 donation from Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley.
EducationFrancisco Castellanos Encourages VAMOS Scholars to Dream Big and Persevere
Francisco Castellanos, a Chick-fil-A operator in Harlingen, inspired the 2026 VAMOS scholarship recipients at their 30th Annual Scholarship Banquet in McAllen. He emphasized the importance of dreaming big and remaining resilient despite challenges. Castellanos shared his personal journey from Mexico to the U.S., highlighting how he overcame obstacles to achieve success, including earning degrees while serving in the U.S. Army. He praised VAMOS for its commitment to supporting students beyond high school, providing mentorship and renewable scholarships. The event also celebrated VAMOS's 30th anniversary and awarded $1 million in scholarships to local students.
EducationVAMOS Celebrates 30th Annual Scholarship Banquet in McAllen
VAMOS, the Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships, celebrated its 30th annual scholarship banquet in McAllen, honoring 2026 scholarship recipients from the Rio Grande Valley. The event highlighted the achievements of students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership. Keynote speaker Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez, a VAMOS alumna, shared her inspiring journey and emphasized the transformative power of education. The banquet recognized the support of sponsors, including Chick-fil-A, HR Health, and H-E-B, and noted that VAMOS has awarded over $26 million in scholarships since its founding in 1996. This year, $1 million in renewable scholarships was awarded to new scholars.
EducationSouth Texas ISD Science Academy wins national Esports title
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The South Texas Independent School District Science Academy Dragons are now national champions after competing at the 2026 Esports Series Championship in Orlando, Florida. The games were held June 25 through the 28 at Full Sail University and brought together the best youth esports teams in the country to compete for the
EducationIVP: Changes to education standards, activists oppose Saronic tax deal
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In Austin, the State Board of Education hosted days of public comment as it weighed changes to required reading lists and social studies standards. Opponents of the changes asked for more local control when it came to the books school districts could assign, while advocating for more expansive representation in the
EducationTexas poised to approve more Bible stories, history revamp but changes for high schoolers delayed
The Texas State Board of Education is set to approve new social studies and reading curricula for K-8 students that emphasize the Bible while minimizing diversity. A final vote is expected soon, but changes for high school subjects like U.S. history and geography have been postponed. Critics, including educators and Democrats, argue that the revisions are rushed and overly simplistic, focusing on memorization rather than critical thinking. The proposed reading list includes Christian stories for students as young as six. The board will decide whether to implement changes all at once or gradually, with high school updates possibly discussed in September.
EducationTexas State Board of Education Approves Bible Stories for Required Public School Reading List
The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new reading list that includes selected Bible stories and passages as required reading for public school students, starting in the 2030-31 school year. This decision follows legislation mandating the establishment of required literary works for students. The list features various biblical texts appropriate for different grade levels, including well-known stories such as The Golden Rule, The Parable of the Prodigal Son, and passages from Genesis and Psalms. The Texas Education Agency has released the proposed list and administrative rules to implement these changes across all public schools in Texas.
Texas board approves Bible stories as required reading in public schools
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas education board on Friday approved a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible passages, widening conservative efforts to push Christian teachings in U.S. classrooms. The Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list of over critics who
EducationSTC Earns National Recognition as ‘Opportunity College’
South Texas College (STC) has been named an Opportunity College by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education, recognizing its efforts to enhance access to higher education and improve student outcomes. This designation places STC among 478 colleges nationwide that exceed benchmarks for student access and post-graduate earnings. STC President Ricardo J. Solis emphasized the college's commitment to creating educational opportunities that positively impact students and the community. The recognition highlights STC's focus on academic support and innovative programs aimed at helping students graduate and achieve economic mobility in Hidalgo and Starr counties.
EducationPSJA ISD Sustains National Excellence with 12th Straight Music Education Award
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) has received the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award for the 12th consecutive year from the NAMM Foundation. This recognition highlights the district's dedication to offering high-quality music education to its students. The award is based on various factors, including funding, participation rates, and community support. PSJA ISD continues to invest in music programs, including band, choir, and mariachi, and is renovating the Oso Dome Auditorium to enhance performance opportunities. Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias emphasized the importance of fine arts in education and the collective efforts of educators and families in supporting these programs.
EducationSTC Launches Free STEM Camps in July
South Texas College (STC) will host free STEM camps for middle and high school students starting in July, funded by a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. The camps, including Biology Explorers, Cybersecurity, and Welding, aim to introduce students to high-demand careers while eliminating financial barriers. Open to eligible students from sixth to twelfth grade across the Rio Grande Valley, the camps will feature hands-on activities at STC's Pecan Campus and other locations. Each camp lasts one week, providing an engaging introduction to STEM fields. For more details, visit STC's website.
EducationTexas Approves Mandatory Bible Readings in Public Education
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) voted and approved a list of mandatory readings for over 5 million public school students that includes biblical passages, expanding conservative efforts to promote Christian teachings in U.S. classrooms. The proposal in Texas, which would require reading literary works such as Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' alongside parables from the New Testament, has been closely monitored by education observers, who note that it appears to be the first of its kind in the country. The reading list is set to take effect in 2030 upon approval. Texas, which educates about 1 in 10 public school students in the nation, has been at the forefront of the conservative push to incorporate more religion into classrooms. The state already allows public schools to hire chaplains to counsel students, requires the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, and has approved an optional curriculum with biblical content. For months, critics have questioned both the push for mandatory biblical readings and the state requirement for students to read certain books, decisions that typically rest with teachers. Educators would still be able to assign additional readings beyond the mandatory titles.
EducationPSJA ISD pianist talks about performing at venues worldwide
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial Early College High School pianist recently performed at the Teatro Colón in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Francisco Rocafuerte, a distinguished Mexican artist who resides in McAllen, told ValleyCentral he has been a collaborative pianist for the PSJA Memorial Early College High School choir for two
EducationWhat to know about the push to make Bible stories required reading in Texas public schools
A proposal in Texas aims to make Bible stories mandatory reading for over 5 million public school students, reigniting discussions about religion in education. The Texas State Board of Education is set to vote on the plan, which follows last year's requirement for classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. Supporters argue that Judeo-Christian values are foundational to the nation, while critics claim it violates the separation of church and state and lacks diversity. The proposed reading list includes stories from the Old and New Testaments, with readings planned from elementary through high school, set to take effect in 2030 if approved.
EducationSTC Partnership Powers McAllen Utility Workforce with Hands-On Training
South Texas College's Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) has launched a Heavy Equipment Operator program in collaboration with McAllen Public Utilities. This initiative, funded by the North American Development Bank, aims to enhance safety awareness and operational skills among utility employees, preparing them for certification in equipment operation. The 25-hour course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, covering essential topics like safety procedures and precision excavation. The first cohort of nine employees completed the training on June 18, with a second group of ten set to finish soon. Participants, like Juan Barron, emphasize the program's role in advancing their careers and improving public utility services.
EducationSTC Captures National Spotlight for AI Education Initiatives
South Texas College (STC) recently hosted representatives from Columbia State Community College in Tennessee to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and workforce education. The visit was part of Columbia's COMPASS initiative, aimed at enhancing AI integration in education. STC showcased its AI initiatives, particularly in manufacturing and technology programs, emphasizing the importance of ethical AI use. Both institutions expressed interest in future collaborations, including workforce development and research projects. STC leaders highlighted their commitment to innovation and responsible AI practices, positioning the college as a national leader in AI education.
EducationBrownsville ISD Selects New Superintendent
The Brownsville Independent School District (Brownsville ISD) Board of Trustees has announced Dr. Timothy E. Cuff as the sole finalist for the position of superintendent. According to Texas law, the board must observe a mandatory waiting period of 21 days before conducting the final vote to officially appoint him. If the board approves the appointment after this waiting period, Dr. Cuff will become the next superintendent of Brownsville ISD.