Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
Education'It's going to become much more unaffordable': New student loan rules spark concern
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Sweeping changes to the federal student loan system are scheduled to take effect July 1, bringing significant changes for future borrowers and current students navigating repayment. Advocates warn the overhaul could make higher education more expensive for many families, with some students potentially turning to private lenders to fill funding gaps.
EducationRegion One to host educator job fair for 13 school districts
EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Region One Education Service Center is hosting an educator job gair on Wednesday. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Region One ESC Conference Center located at 1900 W. Schunior St. Teachers, support staff, or those exploring their options can stop by, bring their resumes, and meet
EducationMade in the 956: Valley couple runs non-profit to send students to college
A non-profit organization in Brownsville, RioProgress, is dedicated to assisting students in the Rio Grande Valley with their college applications. Founded in 2022 by Maria Fernanda Martinez Donaus and her husband Philippe, the organization aims to change the perception that college is unaffordable. They provide personalized plans for students and their families, ensuring they understand the costs and options available. Since its inception, the program has expanded from six to 26 students, with plans to increase to 40 for the Class of 2027. One student, Rayyan Farooqui, credits RioProgress for helping him secure a full scholarship to Duke University.
EducationFree nutrition classes being offered at Pharr Memorial Library
Pharr Memorial Library is hosting free nutrition classes aimed at combating high obesity and diabetes rates in the Rio Grande Valley. In collaboration with the Hidalgo County Health Department, these classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday until June. Participants will learn about daily fruit and vegetable intake, protein options, and physical exercises using resistance bands provided during the sessions. The classes begin at 5:30 p.m., offering valuable resources for community health improvement, according to Evelyn Rodriguez, a Public Health Technician with Hidalgo County Health and Human Services.
EducationMission CISD Celebrates the Class of 2026
Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) celebrated the Class of 2026 during its Spring Commencement on May 30, 2026, at Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. Graduates from three high schools were honored for their achievements, personal growth, and leadership. Superintendent Dr. Cris King encouraged them to embrace new opportunities, while Veterans Memorial High School Principal Raul Luna reminded them to honor those who supported them. Students excelled in academics, fine arts, and athletics, with many participating in dual enrollment programs. The ceremony marked a significant transition as graduates prepared to embark on new journeys, equipped with valuable experiences.
EducationTEA assigns conservator to Lyford CISD as part of state accountability process
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has assigned Dr. Sylvia Ibarra as a conservator to the Lyford Consolidated Independent School District to oversee its turnaround efforts. This appointment, communicated to staff and parents on March 2, is intended as a support measure rather than a punishment. Dr. Ibarra, who also serves as conservator for Monte Alto and La Joya ISDs, will monitor Lyford Middle School's progress. Superintendent Dr. Michelle C. DeWitt highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance student achievement and accountability, with preliminary data indicating a projected B rating for the middle school in 2026, reflecting significant improvement.
EducationTexas schools say they still face budget difficulties despite $8. 5 billion boost
Despite receiving nearly $8.5 billion in funding last year, Texas schools are still grappling with significant budget challenges. During a recent hearing, district officials reported job cuts and campus closures due to financial strain. For instance, El Paso faces a $53 million shortfall, while Crystal City has less than $500 in its account. Even with increased funding from House Bill 2 for teacher salaries and special education, many districts struggle to meet rising costs. Declining enrollment and inconsistent funding further complicate the situation, as schools receive less money when fewer students attend. The new voucher program may exacerbate these issues.
EducationTexas removes Spanish language option for commercial driver license tests
The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced that all commercial driver license (CDL) tests will now be conducted exclusively in English, eliminating the previously available Spanish option. This change follows federal requirements aimed at enforcing English proficiency among commercial drivers, particularly in light of a crackdown on noncitizen truck drivers. Governor Greg Abbott instructed the DPS to enforce these new guidelines, which align with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's updated standards. The removal of the Spanish option is part of broader restrictions affecting immigrant drivers in Texas, including halting CDL issuance to refugees and DACA recipients.
EducationRio Hondo ISD breaks ground on new turf fields
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Hondo Independent School District held a groundbreaking ceremony at Bobcat Stadium on Monday for its $6 million sports complex renovation. The renovation includes new turf at the football, softball, and baseball fields, LED lighting and a new track. Funding for the project comes through a loan approved by the Rio Hondo school board. “This is something really exciting for our community,” said Rio
EducationPSJA ISD Educator Receives Prestigious Statewide Humanities Award
Carolina De Anda Treviño, an educator at Carmen Anaya Elementary in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), has been awarded the 2026 James F. Veninga Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award by Humanities Texas. This prestigious award recognizes one exemplary humanities teacher in Texas each year. De Anda Treviño will receive a $5,000 prize, and her school will get an additional $1,000 for humanities programs. She has previously been honored as the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Elementary Rising Star and the 2025 Texas Association for Bilingual Education Elementary Bilingual Teacher of the Year. A formal presentation will occur during the 2026-2027 school year.
EducationWater service restored, UTRGV Brownsville campus operations resume
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley announced that water service has been restored at Brownsville campus buildings. Campus operations will return to normal operations on Monday. On Saturday, UTRGV reported that a water leak under the Texas Southmost College cooling plant was affecting chilled water supply to portions of the north
EducationHow an STC Alum is Bringing AI to the Factory Floor
Jose Vasquez, a recent graduate from South Texas College's Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, has embraced the future of manufacturing through his studies in Robotics and Mechatronics. After nearly seven years away from education, he found renewed purpose and confidence in the AMT program, particularly in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for manufacturing. Vasquez presented a project on demand forecasting and inventory efficiency to industry leaders, showcasing how AI can optimize stock management. He plans to further his education in Engineering at STC, encouraging others to pursue their academic goals and explore new career paths.
EducationSenator Hinojosa Highlights Texas A&M Corpus Christi Research Growth After Meeting With President Kelly Miller
Texas State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa met with Dr. Kelly Miller, President of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, to discuss the university's research growth and workforce development initiatives. Hinojosa noted that the university ranks second in research activity within the Texas A&M System, with significant increases in funding and Ph.D. graduates. He emphasized the importance of connecting graduates with local employers and highlighted the Harte Research Institute's focus on coastal ecosystems. Dr. Miller, who has led the university since 2017, has expanded research initiatives and partnerships. Hinojosa expressed his commitment to supporting the university in future legislative sessions.
EducationUTRGV Brownsville campus buildings impacted by water leak
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is reporting a water leak in the Brownsville campus under the Texas Southmost College cooling plant. According to a social media post, the water leak is affecting the chilled water supply to portions of the north side of the Brownsville campus. The outage is affecting
EducationHow JagReconnect Guided One STC Student from Doubt to Graduation
Maribel Cantu, 55, recently graduated with an Associate of Arts in Social Work from South Texas College (STC) through the JagReconnect program. This initiative assists students who have paused their education by offering support with tuition, flexible options, and resources. Cantu, motivated by her daughter's challenges in college, decided to return to school together with her. She chose social work to help others and credits JagReconnect for providing the encouragement and resources she needed. Despite facing difficulties, Cantu persevered and hopes her story inspires other adult learners to pursue their educational goals.
EducationRio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo awards $1.95M in scholarships
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo held its annual scholarship awards banquet on Tuesday. Approximately $1.95 million in scholarships were awarded to students. The RGVLS honored grand champion winners whose commitment earned them recognition and support from the organization and community partners. "We are proud to invest in the
EducationRio Grande City High School band students perform at UIL state solo and ensemble contest
The Rio Grande City High School band made a significant achievement by participating in the UIL Solo and Ensemble state competition for the first time in 23 years. They earned a gold medal and a Division 1 rating, with 54 students attending and 37 receiving medals for their solo performances. Students Brenda Rios and Arora Cantu expressed pride in their accomplishments, highlighting the challenges of competing at a high level. Band Director Eric Garza attributed the success to years of dedication and consistency, emphasizing the importance of commitment for future students to maintain this momentum in their musical journey.
EducationSTC Theatre & Dance to hold Auditions for 5th Annual South Texas New Play Festival, June 25-27
South Texas College (STC) Theatre & Dance will hold auditions for its 5th Annual South Texas New Play Festival from June 25-27 in McAllen. The festival features new plays from playwrights worldwide, with three finalists selected from 30 submissions. The plays include "Ironin’ Man!" by Jorge E. Rodriguez, "Waiting" by Donna Kaz, and "Wise Guys" by Gabriel Diego Hernández. Auditions will take place on June 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the STC Cooper Center for Performing Arts. All community members aged 18 and over are invited to audition. For more details, contact the theatre department.
EducationSTC Summer Camps Prepare Kids for Future Careers
South Texas College (STC) is launching its summer youth camps starting June 8, running through early August. These camps cater to elementary, middle, and high school students, offering both free and low-cost options. Activities range from podcasting and poetry to welding and watercolor painting, designed to foster creativity and career exploration. New this year is a camp on podcast creation and another focused on health and wellness topics. STC aims to provide hands-on experiences that prepare students for future careers. For details on schedules and registration, visit southtexascollege.edu/youth-camps/.