Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationHidalgo County and Donna ISD Unveil New Early Head Start Academy, May 18th
Hidalgo County and the Donna Independent School District will celebrate the opening of the new Donna Early Head Start Academy with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on May 18 at 10 a.m. This facility, located at 1402 S. Silver Ave., aims to support children from six weeks to three years old, as well as pregnant teens, by providing high-quality early education and various support services. The academy's establishment follows a grant awarded in January 2026, marking a significant expansion in early childhood education in the region. Community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony to recognize this important development.
EducationSouth Texas ISD 2026 ‘Walk of Honor’ Graduation Ceremony Dates
The South Texas Independent School District (STISD) has announced its graduation ceremony dates for 2026, scheduled from May 18 to May 22. Ceremonies will be held at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg and will feature graduates from various programs, including Health Professions and Science Academy. The valedictorians include Hannah Navarro, Valeria Garcia, Manuel Reynoso, Camila Rojas, and Nilgeidy Rojas Sanchez, while the salutatorians are Elizabeth Taw, Juan Flores, Osric Dienda, Jaykayla Alexander, and Alana Albert. Graduates will attend prestigious universities such as Yale, Rice, and Stanford. STISD serves students from Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties.
EducationCity of Brownsville and UTRGV task force increase course offerings at Brownsville campus
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — For Brownsville college students like Joaquin Montoya, an increased offering of courses on the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Brownsville campus is something he considers a game-changer. “Compared to being an hour drive - it’s a 15-20 minute drive, even with traffic, so it’s great," Montoya said. This spring semester, UTRGV
EducationBrownsville and UTRGV Task Force Unveils Roadmap for the Future
The City of Brownsville and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) have released the final report from the Task Force of the Future, aimed at enhancing UTRGV's influence in Brownsville and Cameron County. This initiative focuses on improving academic access, student life, and facilities while aligning workforce opportunities. Key recommendations include reducing student travel, expanding engineering programs, and increasing student engagement. UTRGV has committed over $514 million in investments in Brownsville and plans to add more than 3,000 class seats by Spring 2026. The Task Force will continue to meet and adapt strategies to support student success.
EducationLeading by Example: Edinburg Training Chief Earns Degree at STC
Ubaldo Perez, the training chief of the Edinburg Fire Department, recently graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science from South Texas College (STC). With over 30 years in the fire service, he aims to inspire others to pursue education and lifelong learning. During the recent Fire Academy completion ceremony, he emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and shared his journey of balancing work, family, and studies. Perez plans to pursue a bachelor's degree next and continues to mentor young firefighters, encouraging them to take pride in their profession and embrace education as a lifelong endeavor.
EducationDr. Ambrosio Hernandez Urges New Nurses to Lead Through Service and Discipline
Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, mayor of Pharr and physician, addressed graduates at the DHR Health Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program's fourth graduation ceremony in Edinburg, Texas. He urged the new nurses to embrace their careers with humility, discipline, and a service-oriented mindset. Acknowledging the sacrifices made during their education, he recognized that many students missed family events while focusing on their studies. Hernandez emphasized that leadership is not solely defined by professional titles, but by the responsibility and expectations that come with their new roles. The apprenticeship program aims to alleviate the regional nursing shortage through a combination of education and practical experience.
EducationSome parents dont want their kids to use tech at school. But districts are pushing back
In Ardmore, Pennsylvania, parents are increasingly concerned about the use of technology in schools, prompting discussions at the Lower Merion School District. High school senior Aliyah Pack struggles to concentrate with constant screen access, leading her mother to request the removal of her laptop, a request denied by the school. Over 600 residents have signed a petition to allow parents to opt their children out of digital device use. The school board is considering changes to tech policies but insists that technology is essential for learning. Nationwide, states are proposing laws to limit screen time in schools, reflecting a growing pushback against educational technology.
EducationWorkforce Solutions Lower Rio Secures $150K TIP Grant to Bolster Regional Internships
Workforce Solutions Lower Rio has secured a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership (TIP) Grant to enhance nursing education and the healthcare workforce in the Rio Grande Valley. In collaboration with Texas A&M University College of Nursing and the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation, the grant aims to address the increasing demand for qualified nurses. The initiative will support the training of faculty and students, including 48 students pursuing Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Community leaders gathered at the Texas A&M Higher Education Center in McAllen to celebrate this partnership, which is expected to yield long-term benefits for local healthcare.
EducationDHR Health Chief Nursing Officer Mariam Hammad Encourages New Nurses to Lead with Compassion
Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Mega Doctor News EDINBURG, Texas — Mariam Hammad, Chief Nursing Officer at DHR Health, encouraged graduates of the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program to approach nursing with compassion and commitment during remarks at the program’s fourth graduation ceremony held in partnership with Rio Grande Valley College. The ceremony
EducationEdinburg City Council Member Dan Diaz Encourages New Nurses to Share Knowledge and Lead Through Service
Edinburg City Council Member Dan Diaz addressed graduates of the DHR Health Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program during its fourth graduation ceremony, held in collaboration with Rio Grande Valley College. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and knowledge sharing among new nurses, encouraging them to support each other as they embark on their careers. Diaz highlighted the program's success, which has now produced a total of 43 graduates, and its goal of alleviating the nursing shortage in the region through a model that combines classroom learning with practical experience. He urged graduates to disseminate their knowledge rather than keeping it to themselves.
EducationDr. Joel Ramos Uses Stephen King Story to Reflect on Fear and Teamwork in Nursing
Dr. Joel Ramos, nursing director at Rio Grande Valley College, drew on themes from Stephen King's novel 'It' to address fear and teamwork during the DHR Health Registered Nurse Apprenticeship graduation ceremony. This event celebrated the fourth graduating class of the apprenticeship program, aimed at alleviating the nursing shortage in the region through an 'earn while you learn' model. The ceremony honored three graduates and featured speeches from healthcare leaders and local officials. Ramos expressed his admiration for King's work, highlighting 'It' as a personal favorite, emphasizing resilience and collaboration in nursing.
EducationJulian Alvarez Reflects on Origins of DHR Health Nursing Apprenticeship Program
Julian Alvarez, executive vice president at Lone Star National Bank, spoke about the DHR Health Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program during a graduation ceremony for its fourth class in Edinburg, Texas. The event celebrated three graduates, bringing the total number of nurse graduates from the program to 43. Established to combat the nursing shortage in the region, the program offers an 'earn while you learn' model, allowing students to gain practical experience while working. Alvarez highlighted the program's inception in 2020, when healthcare and education leaders recognized the urgent need for skilled nursing professionals in the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationDHR Health and RGV College Celebrate Fourth Nurse Apprenticeship Graduating Class
DHR Health and Rio Grande Valley College celebrated the graduation of the fourth class from their Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program in May 2026. The ceremony honored three new graduates, bringing the total to 43 nurses trained through this initiative aimed at addressing the nursing shortage in the region. The event featured speeches from healthcare leaders and local officials, along with a white coat-and-stole presentation for the graduates. Marissa Castañeda, senior executive vice president, served as the MC, highlighting the dedication of the new nurses as they begin their important careers. A proclamation from the Texas Governor also recognized Apprenticeship Week.
EducationTexas Public Schools Lose 76K Students Despite Rising Population
Texas public schools experienced a significant decline in enrollment, losing over 76,000 students during the 2025-26 school year. This marks the largest drop outside of the COVID-19 pandemic and the second-largest in recent history. The report by Texas 2036 highlights that Hispanic students represented about 80% of those lost, with most declines occurring in grades K-5. Enrollment decreases were noted across 18 of 20 Education Service Center regions, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley. As demographic trends indicate a potential loss of 100,000 students by 2030, the report raises concerns about the future of public education funding and planning in Texas.
EducationSTC Official Details Structure of New Avionics Training Program
Dr. Carlos Margo from the Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeship announced a new avionics technician program at South Texas College during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Weslaco Midvalley Airport. The program will offer two training paths: one for high school students and another for adults, aiming to fill a gap in aviation education in South Texas. High school students can complete 335 hours of coursework and gain hands-on experience with aircraft, while adults can finish training in 5 to 6 months. The curriculum includes certifications for the General Radiotelephone Operator License and IPC standards, enhancing job readiness in aviation and related fields.
EducationSouth Texas College, Weslaco announce new avionics program
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas College and the city of Weslaco on Tuesday announced a new avionics technician program. Avionics focuses on the development, installation, and maintenance of electronic systems used in aircraft, satellites, and spacecrafts, according to STC. The new training equipment will be housed at Mid-Valley Airport and was made possible with
EducationSouth Texas College, Weslaco announce new avionics program
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas College and the city of Weslaco on Tuesday announced a new avionics technician program. Avionics focuses on the development, installation, and maintenance of electronic systems used in aircraft, satellites, and spacecrafts, according to STC. The new training equipment will be housed at Mid-Valley Airport and was made possible with
EducationWATCH LIVE: Brownsville ISD graduation ceremonies
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — High school graduation season for 2026 is here, and ValleyCentral is your one-stop shop for all things Brownsville Independent School District graduation streams. If you can't make it to Sams Stadium to see mijo or mija cross the stage, we have you covered. Below is a schedule of BISD graduation ceremonies
EducationSTC and Coastal Bend College Unveil New Bachelor’s Pipeline
South Texas College (STC) and Coastal Bend College have launched a unique Promise-to-Promise initiative, marking the first partnership of its kind between two community colleges. This program, known as Cougar to Jaguar, allows Coastal Bend students with an associate degree to transition smoothly into one of five bachelor’s degree programs at STC, with last-dollar tuition assistance available. STC President Ricardo J. Solis emphasized the importance of this collaboration in breaking down barriers to education, while Coastal Bend College President Zachary Suarez highlighted its potential as a model for other institutions. The initiative aims to enhance access to higher education in the region.