Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationFree Breakfasts and Lunches for Kids Offered This Summer in the Valley
Families in the Texas Valley can access free breakfasts and lunches for children and teenagers this summer thanks to a program initiated by Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas, Inc. The initiative aims to ensure that minors continue to have access to nutritious food during the school break. In Starr County, free meals are offered at two locations: Rio Grande City at Basilio Villarreal Municipal Park, 1473 Stephan Saenz St., with lunch served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and La Grulla at the Community Center, 381 Pvt. Leopoldo Longoria St., with lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The program started on June 1 and will continue until August 7. In Hidalgo County, the Valle Alto Youth Facility provides meals for children and teenagers aged 3 to 18, with breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Hidalgo Youth Center also offers free meals with breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and lunch from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The program is available to all minors aged 3 to 18 at no cost. Organizers emphasize that the goal is to support families during the summer months and ensure that children continue to receive healthy meals while not in school. For more information, interested individuals can call (956) 578-4937, (956) 607-1549, or (956) 929-0504. Healthy Kids and Teens of South Texas reported that the program is open to all eligible families and is part of their efforts to promote healthy eating among minors in the region.
EducationValley students get hands-on experience at TSC summer camp
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Middle and high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley gathered in Brownsville on Tuesday for a Regional P-Tech Expansion Summer Camp. Over 100 students from about 13 Valley school districts had an opportunity to explore TSC's programs. Through hands-on activities, students gained a better understanding of the career path
EducationJulian Alvarez Calls for Greater Financial Literacy and Banking Career Awareness
Julian Alvarez, Executive Vice President of Lone Star National Bank, emphasized the importance of financial literacy and awareness of banking careers during the launch of the second year of the Bank On INT paid internship program in Edinburg. This initiative, a collaboration between the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, UTRGV, and regional banks, aims to expose students to banking careers. Alvarez noted that high schools lack programs focused on financial services, limiting students' career exposure. The program provides valuable internships for students, helping them connect academic knowledge with workforce needs and develop professional skills before graduation.
EducationVAMOS Hosts its 30th Annual Scholarship Banquet June 10th
The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) will host its 30th Annual Scholarship Banquet on June 10, 2026, at the Edinburg Conference Center. This year, VAMOS will award a record $1 million in four-year renewable scholarships to 62 students from the Rio Grande Valley, recognizing their academic achievements and community commitment. The keynote speaker will be Elizabeth Diaz Gonzalez, Principal of UTRGV – McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy and a VAMOS alumna. The event will also highlight a $25,000 contribution from Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley, showcasing their support for educational initiatives in the region.
EducationGreater State Bank Executive Encourages Students to Build Skills Through Bank On INT
Luis Gamez, Vice President of Branch Administration and Human Resources at Greater State Bank, encouraged students to embrace the Bank On INT paid internship program during its launch on June 5, 2026, in Edinburg. The program, a collaboration among the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, UTRGV, and local banks, aims to enhance workforce development in the Rio Grande Valley. Gamez emphasized the importance of gaining practical experience and building professional networks. Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa highlighted the program's role in providing students with real-world education and competitive salaries, fostering future talent in the region.
EducationLos Fresnos CISD appoints interim superintendent
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday to appoint an interim superintendent. Jimmy McDonough will begin serving as Los Fresnos CISD interim superintendent on July 2 as the Board of Trustees continues its search for a new superintendent. McDonough, who currently serves as the
EducationMcAllen ISD Partners with TDA for Free Summer Meals
McAllen ISD has partnered with the Texas Department of Agriculture to provide free nutritious meals for children aged 1-18 during the summer of 2026. There will be 59 feeding locations across McAllen, including 38 schools, Boys & Girls Club sites, and worship centers, along with 21 Meals on Wheels sites where school buses deliver meals to designated neighborhoods. All meals must be eaten on-site, and children must be present to receive them. For more information, contact McAllen ISD Child Nutrition at 956-632-3226 or visit their website.
EducationValley association partners with STC, Donna ISD to create construction trade school
The South Texas Builders Association has partnered with South Texas College and Donna Independent School District to establish a construction trade school in Donna. This initiative aims to address labor shortages in the construction industry exacerbated by recent immigration enforcement actions. Classes will begin in August at a Donna ISD facility, with STC providing instructors. Efrain Gomez Jr., a local construction company owner, highlighted the urgent need for skilled workers, noting that delays in projects lead to increased home prices. While classes will be free for Donna ISD students, costs for the general public are still being determined.
EducationVantage Bank Executive Cris Moncayo Praises Student Talent at Bank On INT Launch
Cris Moncayo, Senior Vice President at Vantage Bank, highlighted the importance of collaboration and student talent during the launch of the second year of the Bank On INT paid internship program in Edinburg. The program, which involves the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, UTRGV, and local banks, aims to enhance workforce development for students in the Rio Grande Valley. Moncayo noted the competitive nature of internships, with over 400 applications for 20 positions. She encouraged students to engage fully in the experience and consider careers in banking, emphasizing the program's role in shaping future business leaders.
EducationEdinburg EDC, UTRGV partner to provide bank internships for students
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has teamed up with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to offer banking internships to local students. Seven students were selected from a pool of 120 applicants to address the growing need for commercial lenders in the region. Edinburg EDC Executive Director Raudel Garza emphasized the importance of retaining talent within the Valley, as many skilled individuals often leave for opportunities elsewhere. The paid internships will commence on Monday, providing valuable experience for the students as they embark on their banking careers.
EducationEdinburg EDC Leads Launch of Second Year of Bank On INT Internship Program
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) has officially launched the second year of the Bank On INT paid internship program, aimed at providing undergraduate students with practical experience in the banking sector. The program, initiated on June 5, 2026, involves a partnership between the City of Edinburg, EEDC, UTRGV, and several regional banks. Mayor Omar Ochoa emphasized the importance of this opportunity for students to gain real-world experience while earning a competitive salary. The initiative also aims to support workforce development and talent retention in the Rio Grande Valley, with local banks reporting successful placements of former interns into full-time roles.
EducationSpaceX awards $100K in scholarships to Brownsville ISD students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX awarded students from the Brownsville Independent School District with $100,000 in scholarships on Thursday. The partnership between SpaceX and Brownsville ISD awards 10 students with $10,000 scholarships each to help them pursue a higher education and support their career goals. It adds that, in addition to academic success, students will
EducationWeslaco ISD summer meal program runs through July 10 at no cost to students
Weslaco ISD is providing free lunches for students aged 18 and under this summer, funded by a federal grant. Last year, the program successfully served thousands of students, and the district aims to continue supporting families facing rising food costs. Weslaco ISD spokesperson Carlos Robledo emphasized the importance of nutritious meals, especially given current food inflation. The summer meal program will be available until July 10, 2026, and no school ID is required to receive a meal. Families are encouraged to contact their school district to confirm if their child's school is participating in the program.
EducationPharr EDC Foundation Awards 50 Scholarships at 2026 Ceremony
During the 2026 Scholarship Award Ceremony on June 1, the Pharr EDC Foundation awarded 50 scholarships to local high school students in Pharr, Texas. Victor Perez, president of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, highlighted the foundation's commitment to educational advancement, noting that over $1 million has been awarded to more than 500 students in five years. Keynote speaker Romeo Cantu inspired students to embrace their backgrounds, while former scholarship recipients shared their educational journeys. The event also featured new partnerships with local industries, emphasizing the importance of workforce development alongside academic support.
EducationFrom ‘Waka Waka’ to the 2026 World Cup: Shakira to Lead the Highly Anticipated Opening Ceremony in Mexico
Colombian artist Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy will present ‘Dai Dai’, the official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026, during the opening ceremony scheduled for June 11 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, FIFA announced on Thursday. Shakira and Burna Boy will headline the show, which will also feature stars such as Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla. The organization emphasized that promoting this song will significantly boost its programs supporting children worldwide. 'Dai Dai serves as the official song of the World Cup, which also supports the FIFA Fund and Global Citizen for education, an initiative aiming to raise $100,000,000 by the end of the tournament, allowing access to football and quality education for children around the world,' FIFA stated in the announcement.
EducationNew Construction Academy Aims to Build the Rio Grande Valley Workforce from the Ground Up
A new partnership involving the South Texas Builders Association, Donna Independent School District, and South Texas College is set to launch nationally accredited construction trade programs in fall 2026. Efrain Gomez, treasurer of the Builders Association, emphasized that the initiative will benefit not only Donna but also Hidalgo County and the entire Rio Grande Valley by providing essential training in various construction skills. The programs will be housed at a Donna ISD facility and are open to both students and the public. Enrollment is currently underway, with opportunities for hands-on experience in construction-related careers.
EducationHidalgo County Judge's Office launches puppet show to educate children about hurricane preparedness
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) —The Hidalgo County Judge's Office on Wednesday partnered up with the Hidalgo County Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal to launch "Storm Safe with Sunny", an interactive puppet show educating children about hurricane preparedness. Families gathered at the free community event at the Pharr Memorial Library to learn about hurricane
EducationPSJA ISD Students Recognized for Graduating from Cybersecurity Internship Program
The Pharr City Commission recognized 13 students from PSJA ISD for completing the Methodist Healthcare Ministries Internship Program, aimed at developing future technology professionals. The students received specialized training in cybersecurity and collaborated with city technology staff on community digital literacy projects. IT Director Jose Peña highlighted their hard work, noting that one student earned an associate degree in cybersecurity from South Texas College. Each graduate received a certificate and a laptop, enhancing their readiness for further education and careers in technology. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez expressed pride in their achievements and the future impact of their skills in cybersecurity.
EducationSTC Celebrates Reaccreditation of Its Powerful Dual Credit Program
South Texas College (STC) is celebrating its reaccreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), making it the only nationally accredited dual credit program in Texas. This recognition highlights STC's commitment to providing high-quality dual credit opportunities for high school students, allowing them to earn college credits while still in school. STC partners with 21 school districts and has served over 150,000 students since 2000, saving families more than $464 million. The program offers various degrees and career options, reinforcing STC’s role as a leader in educational access and student success in the Rio Grande Valley.