Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationCensus Bureau Drops New Enrollment Insights
The U.S. Census Bureau has published new data on school enrollment for individuals aged 3 and older, based on the 2024 School Enrollment Supplement. In 2024, 23.4% of this age group was enrolled in school. Of those enrolled, 11.3% were in nursery or kindergarten, 42.7% in elementary school, 22.8% in high school, and 23.2% in college. Notably, 58.8% of children aged 3 to 4 were enrolled in school, a rise from 53.5% in 2023. Among students aged 18 and older, 57.9% enrolled in college were female, while 42.1% were male, with most in undergraduate programs.
EducationLongtime TSC Instructor Maggie Solis Retires After 25 Years of Service
Maggie Solis has retired after 25 years of teaching at Texas Southmost College, where she significantly impacted students as the accounting technology program coordinator. Her career began in 1993, and she transitioned from adjunct instructor to full-time faculty. Solis recalls a time when teaching relied on traditional methods, contrasting it with today's digital tools. Beyond the classroom, she contributed to the community through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, helping thousands file taxes and secure over $5 million in refunds. As she retires, Solis plans to focus on her health and family, leaving a lasting legacy at TSC.
EducationPSJA Graduate’s Path to Blue Origin
Raphael Angeles, a graduate of PSJA North Early College High School, now works as a Responsible Engineer for Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket. Born in the Philippines and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Angeles credits his education at PSJA ISD for shaping his path in aerospace engineering. He took numerous AP courses and was encouraged by teachers and his mother, Rose Hernandez. After earning a degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Blue Origin's New Graduate Rotation Program. Angeles aims to inspire local students, emphasizing that their backgrounds do not limit their potential in the aerospace industry.
EducationOver 500 Students Now Enrolled at The PossAble Dream
The PossAble Dream Adult High School has surpassed 500 enrolled students at its locations in Pharr, Brownsville, and Edcouch-Elsa since its opening in August 2025. This tuition-free public school caters to adults aged 18 to 50, allowing them to earn their high school diplomas while pursuing industry certificates in high-demand fields. Superintendent Darcia Cuellar emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for adults to return to education. The school offers flexible class schedules and support services, including transportation and childcare, to help students balance their responsibilities. Interested adults can find more information at www.thepossabledream.net/interest.
EducationLone Star National Bank Supports Adult High School Graduation With $20,000 Donation
Lone Star National Bank has donated $20,000 to The PossAble Dream Foundation to support the first graduation ceremony of The PossAble Dream Adult High School in McAllen. This event, scheduled for August, will celebrate over 100 adult students from Pharr, Brownsville, and Edcouch-Elsa who will receive their high school diplomas and industry-based certifications. Dr. Daniel P. King from Region One Education Service Center expressed gratitude for the bank's support, which will cover costs such as caps and gowns. The program aims to double its enrollment from 500 to 1,000 students next year, emphasizing community education and support.
EducationFormer Harlingen Albertsons to become $42.3M UTRGV Physical and Occupational Therapy facility
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The building that used to house the grocery store Albertsons in Harlingen will be transformed into a new facility for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Departments of Physical and Occupational Therapy. A $42.3 million funding package for the new learning hub was approved by the University of Texas Board
EducationSan Benito High School student brought her graduation to her dad hospital room
During graduation season, San Benito High School senior Ruth Valdez made a heartfelt decision to celebrate her achievement in her father's hospital room instead of on stage. With support from the San Benito Independent School District and Valley Baptist Health System, Ruth graduated at the hospital where her father, Edgar, is receiving hospice care for Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Despite his health struggles, he was present for this special moment. Ruth expressed her joy in sharing this day with her dad, creating an unforgettable memory for their family. The Valdez family continues to rely on their faith during this challenging time.
EducationLos Fresnos CISD 6th grader competing in Scripps National Spelling Bee
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A 6th-grader from the Rio Grande Valley is heading to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The competition takes place at DAR Constitution Hall this year and will feature 247 spellers from across the country and around the world, including 12-year-old Anirudh Roy of Resaca Middle School.
EducationSTC Graduate Uses AI Skills to Tackle Manufacturing Challenges
Andrea Leal, a recent graduate of South Texas College (STC), presented her AI-driven app aimed at predicting equipment failures to industry leaders. Having earned a certificate in Mechatronics through STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, Leal is currently interning at Binary Technologies. Her project focuses on predictive maintenance for electric motors, utilizing data like temperature and noise levels to foresee breakdowns. Leal emphasized the importance of AI in manufacturing and how STC has prepared her for real-world challenges. The AI in Manufacturing course, developed in partnership with Intel, positions STC as a leader in applied AI training for the industry.
EducationChildren Can Receive Free Meals at South Texas ISD Campuses
The South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will offer free breakfasts and lunches during the summer for children under 18 and students with disabilities up to 21 years old. The program will be available from June 1 to June 30, with meals served in person from Monday to Thursday at the cafeterias of four district campuses. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., while lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The school district also reported that children do not need to be enrolled in STISD to participate. The available locations are as follows: Edinburg: South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy/World Scholars Cafeteria, 510 S. Sugar Rd., Edinburg; Mercedes: South Texas ISD Health Professions Cafeteria, 700 Med High Drive, Mercedes; Olmito: South Texas ISD Medical Professions Cafeteria, 10650 N Expressway 77/83, Olmito; San Benito: South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy Cafeteria, 151 S. Helen Moore Rd., San Benito.
EducationUT System approves $42. 3 million project to convert Harlingen retail center into UTRGV therapy facility
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved a $42.3 million project to convert a former retail center in Harlingen into a modern academic facility for UTRGV's Physical and Occupational Therapy Departments. This new 55,430-square-foot learning hub will include specialized labs and research areas, such as anatomy labs and spaces for various healthcare research. Expected to be completed by spring 2027, UTRGV President Guy Bailey emphasized the project's significance for healthcare education in the Rio Grande Valley, enhancing opportunities for students and preparing future healthcare professionals to meet community needs.
EducationFree Summer Meals Available at South Texas ISD Campuses June 1-30
From June 1-30, South Texas Independent School District (STISD) will provide free breakfast and lunch for children 18 and younger, including students with disabilities up to 21 years old. Meals will be served in-person from Monday to Thursday at four STISD campuses. Breakfast hours are from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and lunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participation does not require enrollment in STISD. Meal locations include Edinburg, Mercedes, Olmito, and San Benito. For more information, contact Oliver Galvan, Child Nutrition Director, at 956.514.4230 or via email.
EducationSTC, UTSA Partner on Online Leadership Master’s Program
South Texas College (STC) and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create an online Master of Higher Education Administration program. This initiative aims to support faculty and staff in advancing their careers while continuing to work. The program, which will start in fall 2026, is designed for working professionals and will offer evening classes in an eight-week format. Tuition discounts will be available, and information sessions are scheduled throughout the summer for interested applicants. The partnership emphasizes the commitment to developing future leaders in higher education.
EducationFirst Cohort Graduates from Pioneering South Texas Nursing Apprenticeship Program
DHR Health and South Texas College celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, recognized as the first federally sanctioned nursing apprenticeship in the U.S. The ceremony honored ten graduates who completed paid clinical training while pursuing associate degrees in nursing. Leaders from DHR Health, South Texas College, and the Texas Workforce Commission highlighted the program's role in addressing the nursing shortage in the Rio Grande Valley. Marissa S. Castañeda praised the graduates' dedication, while Dr. Carlos Cardenas emphasized the importance of nurses in patient care and expanding healthcare access in the region.
EducationHarlingen South Ezzie Cortez signs to Hamline University
Tony Cantu, a standout point guard from Harlingen South, has signed to play basketball at Missouri Valley College. He received multiple accolades, including the 32-5A MVP award and spots on the 32-5A All Defensive Team, RGVBCA First Team, and TABC All-Region Team. Cantu was also recognized as a four-time All-Academic selection. His contributions helped the Hawks secure two district titles and one bi-district championship, along with advancing to the area round and regional semifinals. Cantu expressed his excitement about this opportunity, highlighting the supportive community at Missouri Valley and the camaraderie with fellow Valley athletes.
EducationUTRGV moving some classes to Brownsville campus to reduce commute times
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is relocating some classes to its Brownsville campus to alleviate long commutes for students in the lower Rio Grande Valley. Many students currently travel to the Edinburg campus for specific courses, often waking up before 5 a.m. to attend. A recent report highlighted that engineering courses were a primary reason for these trips. Starting this fall, third-year engineering classes will be available in Brownsville, with fourth-year courses anticipated by 2027. UTRGV has also added 3,000 course seats to the Brownsville campus, aiming to enhance student life and resources.
EducationLoudoun County Schools Under Federal Scrutiny After Reports of Secret Bathroom Recordings
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has launched an investigation into Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia due to allegations that a high school student recorded numerous underage students in bathroom stalls over three years. The inquiry will assess whether the school district violated Title IX by not adequately addressing sexual harassment claims. This follows previous findings that Loudoun's policies regarding gender identity in intimate spaces led to violations. The district is currently classified as 'high-risk' for federal funding, with over $50 million at stake, as it faces scrutiny for its handling of student privacy and safety.
EducationHarlingen Isaiah Gaytan signs to Palo Alto College
Isaiah Gaytan, a standout baseball player from Harlingen, has officially signed his letter of intent to play at Palo Alto College. The shortstop and pitcher for the Harlingen Cardinals was recognized as the Newcomer of the Year in his freshman season and received a first team All-District selection last year as a utility player. He played a crucial role in leading his team to a bi-district championship in 2025. Gaytan expressed his dedication to the sport, reflecting on the countless hours he invested and the positive influence of his coaches as he looks forward to his future in college baseball.
EducationUTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School heading to nationals in children literature competition
UTRGV Harlingen Collegiate High School is making strides in its inaugural year with 11 students qualifying for a national children's literature competition. Senior Margarita Caballero, who won first place in a state contest, will represent the school in Oregon next month. Her book, "No More Space," tells the story of a small space rock named Sammy seeking his place in the universe. Caballero, who has a passion for space and children's literature, has worked at the Harlingen Public Library for two years. Principal Imelda Trevino expressed excitement about the program's potential to inspire future students and enhance educational opportunities.