Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationWeslaco Mayor Says Avionics Program Opens New Career Paths for Students
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez announced the launch of a new avionics technician program at Weslaco Midvalley Airport, aimed at enhancing career opportunities for local students through workforce training. This initiative is a collaboration between the City of Weslaco, South Texas College, and Hidalgo County Precinct 1. Gonzalez emphasized the importance of providing alternative pathways for students who may not pursue a four-year college degree, allowing them to gain certifications or attend trade schools. The program will offer technical training in aviation electronics and is designed to align education with industry needs, preparing students for high-demand careers in aviation.
EducationDavid Fuentes Says Avionics Program Expands Career Access for Local Students
David Fuentes announced a new avionics technician program at Weslaco Midvalley Airport, aimed at providing local students with career opportunities in aviation and skilled trades. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, he emphasized the importance of exposing the community to the potential careers available in the region, which many residents may not typically see. The program, developed in collaboration with South Texas College, the City of Weslaco, and Hidalgo County, seeks to equip students with technical training for high-demand jobs. Fuentes highlighted the initiative's role in overcoming economic barriers and expanding access to better-paying careers for young people in the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationAirport Board Chair Says Avionics Program Meets Growing Aviation Demand
Randy Summers, chairman of the Weslaco Midvalley Airport Advisory Board, announced the launch of a new avionics technician program during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 12, 2026. This initiative aims to prepare local students for careers in aviation technology, addressing the growing demand for maintenance and avionics professionals. The program is a collaboration between South Texas College, Hidalgo County, the City of Weslaco, and the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation. Summers emphasized the importance of hands-on training, stating that students will be equipped with the skills needed to enter the workforce immediately after graduation, contributing to the region's economic growth.
EducationSTC President Highlights Workforce Focus of New Avionics Program
Dr. Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College, announced the launch of a new avionics technician program aimed at enhancing workforce education in the Rio Grande Valley. The program, introduced at Weslaco Midvalley Airport, is a collaboration between the college, the City of Weslaco, Hidalgo County Precinct 1, and the airport. It focuses on preparing students for careers in aviation technology through hands-on training and an industry-aligned curriculum. The program offers two tracks: one for high school students and another for adults, with certification achievable in five to six months. Solis emphasized the importance of aligning education with workforce needs.
EducationSTC Weslaco Launches Avionics Training Program for Aviation Careers
Weslaco Midvalley Airport hosted a gathering to announce a new avionics technician program aimed at training students and adults for careers in aviation maintenance and electronics. This initiative, a collaboration between South Texas College, the City of Weslaco, and local officials, addresses workforce shortages in the aviation sector. The program will offer hands-on training using donated aircraft and airport equipment, preparing students for high-demand careers. Participants will complete online coursework and receive certifications in avionics fundamentals and communications equipment. Local leaders emphasized the importance of this program in providing career opportunities for the community.
EducationSTEM Nation returns to students across the Valley
EDINBURG, TX (ValleyCentral) - Thousands of students from Rio Grande City to Brownsville gathered to explore the world of STEM as STEM Nation 2026 returned to the Valley for the second year in a row. For 7th-grade student Rolando Zapatero at Alamo Jr. High School, STEM has been a lifelong passion. He’s been so dedicated
EducationLos Fresnos CISD begins search for new superintendent
LOS FRESNOS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A search for a new superintendent for the Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District is now in full swing. The Los Fresnos CISD Board announced on Tuesday that it has selected a Harlingen-based law firm to lead the superintendent search. The new search comes after the retirement announcement of the Los
EducationLa Joya ISD elementary campuses dismiss students early following power outages
On May 12, two elementary schools in the La Joya Independent School District, Leo Elementary and Flores Elementary, dismissed students early due to power outages. Officials were unable to provide a timeline for when power would be restored, although they were in contact with AEP for updates. Parents could pick up their children from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For those not picked up, students were taken to the Palmview High School Gym, which served as a temporary reunification site. District staff ensured supervision and support for all students, providing meals and accommodations as necessary.
Education2 La Joya ISD elementary schools dismiss students early following power outages
On May 12, two elementary schools in the La Joya Independent School District, Leo Elementary and Flores Elementary, dismissed students early due to power outages. Officials were unable to determine when power would be restored, as they communicated with AEP about the situation. Parents could pick up their children from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., while students who were not picked up were taken to the Palmview High School Gym, which served as a temporary reunification site. District staff ensured student supervision and provided meals and accommodations as necessary during the incident.
EducationUnited Way Investment: $11,000 Boost for The PossAble Dream Foundation
The PossAble Dream Foundation in Pharr, Texas, received an $11,000 Community Impact Grant from the United Way of South Texas to enhance graduation regalia and industry certifications for its students. A ceremony on May 11, 2026, celebrated this contribution, with United Way President Lilly Lopez-Killelea emphasizing the importance of providing resources for individuals to improve their futures. Student Claudia De La O expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to school and be a role model for her children. The PossAble Dream Adult High School offers tuition-free education for adults aged 18 to 50 seeking their high school diplomas and industry certifications.
EducationSTC Graduate Steps into High-Demand Industry via Valley Promise Partnership
Christian Loera, a student in Advanced Manufacturing Technology at South Texas College, credits the Valley Promise Program for transforming his interest in robotics into a viable career path. Graduating this spring with a certificate in Robotics and Mechatronics, Loera has benefited from the program's financial support, which covers tuition after other aid is applied. This initiative aims to help Rio Grande Valley students graduate without debt. Loera, who has received a GE Aerospace Foundation scholarship, is now looking forward to job opportunities in advanced manufacturing and technology, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in pursuing education and career goals.
EducationLa Joya ISD dismisses students after power outages at elementary schools
LA JOYA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The La Joya Independent School District dismissed students from class after power outages at two of its elementary schools. According to a news release from La Joya ISD, Leo Elementary and Flores Elementary experienced full power outages during school hours, leading the district to prepare a dismissal plan. District officials remained
EducationTexas public schools see first non-pandemic enrollment drop in decades
Texas public schools experienced a decline of over 76,000 students this academic year, marking the first non-pandemic enrollment drop in nearly 40 years. A report by Texas 2036 revealed that Hispanic students made up 81% of this decrease. The report predicts a potential loss of 100,000 students by the end of the decade. Despite a population increase in Texas, public school enrollment is falling, indicating a significant structural change that policymakers must address. The Texas House's education committee is set to discuss these trends and the implications for school funding, which is based on student attendance.
EducationTeachers with national certification earn more, but Texas is questioning its worth
In Texas, the value of National Board Certification for teachers is under scrutiny as state leaders evaluate its alignment with local educational goals. Currently, only about 1,200 of the 382,000 teachers in Texas hold this prestigious certification, which can lead to salary increases of up to $9,000 through the Teacher Incentive Allotment. However, recent discussions in the Texas Senate suggest a potential phase-out of this certification from the pay-raise program. Critics argue that removing it would undermine the quality of teaching, while supporters emphasize its positive impact on student outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged groups. A decision is expected by December 31.
EducationRibbon Cutting for New Avionics Technician Program at STC in Weslaco, May 12th
On May 12 at 3 p.m., Hidalgo County Precinct 1 will join South Texas College and local leaders for the ribbon cutting of a new Avionics Technician Program at the Weslaco Mid-Valley Airport. This program, the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley, aims to enhance workforce development in aviation and aerospace technology. Funded partly by a $50,000 contribution from Precinct 1, the initiative will offer hands-on training in aircraft and spacecraft electronic systems. The program is set to launch in Fall 2026, with options for both adults and high school students. For more information, contact STC's CATA at 956-872-2770.
EducationMcAllen Officer Adds College Graduate to His Service Record
Julian Ocañas, a McAllen police officer and South Texas College graduate, has earned his associate degree in Law Enforcement while managing family life and a demanding career. A former Marine, Ocañas balanced his studies with coaching his children’s sports teams and working full-time. He aims to inspire his kids by demonstrating the value of education and hard work. After serving as a corrections officer, he graduated from the police academy and has been a police officer for three years. Ocañas plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
EducationPort of Brownsville Awards Scholarships to 32 Graduating Seniors
The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) has awarded scholarships to 32 graduating seniors as part of the 2026 Port of Brownsville Scholarship Program. Each student will receive $1,000 upon enrolling in a college, university, or technical institution. The recipients were chosen based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, work experience, and a personal essay. These students represent 16 different public and private high schools within the district. Since its inception in 2020, the program has awarded $224,000 to 224 students, highlighting the BND's commitment to investing in local education and future leaders.
EducationPSJA ISD Honors Years of Service at Annual Awards & Retirement Celebration
On May 7, 2026, Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) held its annual Service Awards & Retirement Celebration, honoring employees with 25 years or more of service and retirees. The event, themed "Boots & Bling," recognized the significant contributions of PSJA staff across various roles. Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias praised the honorees for their dedication to students and the community. Among those celebrated was Stella A. Sanchez, who received an award for 35 years of service. A total of 158 service awards and 109 retirements were acknowledged, highlighting the impact of educators like Hilda Alicia Hernandez, who plans to continue teaching part-time after retirement.
EducationSenior Send Off photo submissions open now
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — ValleyCentral is celebrating the graduating class of 2026 with a Senior Sendoff photo gallery! We are proud of the local graduating seniors here in the Rio Grande Valley who have acquired their diplomas from high school, college, or university! Help us in congratulating the class of 2026 by submitting a photo