Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationIDEA Public Schools Class of 2026 Celebrates College Signing Day in the RGV, May 20-22
IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley will host College Signing Day 2026 from May 20 to May 22, celebrating over 1,800 graduating seniors as they announce their college choices. The three-day event will feature five ceremonies across various IDEA schools, with morning sessions starting at 9:30 a.m. and afternoon sessions at 2:00 p.m. Notably, this year marks the first senior classes for IDEA Robindale and IDEA Los Encinos. Students will reveal their college acceptances, which include prestigious institutions like Yale, Stanford, and the University of Texas at Austin. The events will take place at the McAllen Convention Center.
EducationPSJA ISD Graduates First Aspiring Assistant Principals Cohort
PSJA ISD has successfully completed its first Aspiring Assistant Principals Academy, aimed at developing future campus leaders. The program, which began in November 2025, concluded on May 14, 2026, with 30 educators presenting their solutions to real campus challenges. Participants included teachers, counselors, and curriculum coordinators, all of whom held Master’s degrees in Educational Leadership and had at least three years of experience. The initiative emphasizes PSJA ISD's commitment to nurturing internal leadership and enhancing educational excellence. Graduates are now eligible for the district's Assistant Principal Candidate Pool, reinforcing the district's focus on leadership development.
EducationMonte Alto ISD awarded over $530K as part of three-year state grant
Monte Alto ISD has received a significant boost in funding from the Texas Education Agency, totaling over $530,000 as part of a three-year grant aimed at enhancing reading and math education. The first year will see $533,000 allocated to implement the Bluebonnet Learning Portal across the district. Additionally, the grant will support teacher training initiatives. Superintendent Rashad Rana emphasized the importance of equipping students for future success by ensuring high-quality instructional materials and effective leadership in teaching.
EducationSister Norma Pimentel Urges Graduates to Live With Integrity at Sacred Heart University Commencement
Sister Norma Pimentel, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, delivered a heartfelt commencement speech on May 9 at Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Addressing the Class of 2026, she emphasized the importance of living with integrity, compassion, and courage. Pimentel, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, encouraged graduates to respect one another and uphold their values. She expressed gratitude for being part of the celebration and urged the graduates to be a light for others, using their gifts to serve the community. Pimentel was one of four keynote speakers at the event.
EducationWater Leak Disrupts Service at Schools in Rio Grande City
The Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District (RGCGISD) reported a water leak that has disrupted service at several schools, including Early College High School, Ringgold Middle School, and AC2E. Water service was suspended, and officials anticipate it will be restored by Tuesday, May 18. In the meantime, the district has arranged transportation to nearby campuses so that students can access restrooms and other essential needs related to water service during the repairs.
EducationLos Fresnos mom and her two children graduate college together
Graduation season is in full swing at Texas Southmost College, where over 1,100 students received their diplomas. Among them were Alexa Sanchez Martinez and her mother, Hilda Martinez, along with her brother, Brandon Guzman, all graduating on the same day. Alexa, who earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies while still in high school, expressed pride in her family’s achievements. Hilda completed her Associate degree in Social Work while working full-time, and Brandon received a certificate in Automotive Technology. The family overcame challenges together, inspiring one another throughout their educational journeys.
EducationSharyland ISD students take top prizes at Goodwill runway event
At the inaugural Runway: Cultura Meets Couture scholarship competition hosted by Goodwill Industries of South Texas, two students from Sharyland ISD achieved notable success. Febe-Grace Snyman from Sharyland Pioneer High School secured second place and a $2,000 scholarship, while Sophia Nguyen from Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy won the People's Choice Award, earning a $1,000 scholarship. The event, held at the McAllen Convention Center, showcased 13 student designers who created outfits using upcycled materials, emphasizing identity and culture. The competition raised over $51,000, with $7,000 allocated for scholarships, supporting Goodwill's job training and educational programs. The next event is scheduled for October 2027.
EducationHidalgo County Head Start, Donna ISD to hold ribbon cutting for new academy
Hidalgo County Head Start and Donna Independent School District will celebrate the opening of the new Donna Early Head Start Academy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This facility will provide early learning services for infants as young as 6 weeks to children up to 3 years old, including support for pregnant teens. The academy aims to enhance early childhood education and family engagement through various services. This initiative follows the awarding of an Early Head Start Grant in January 2026, marking a significant step in expanding access to quality education in the region. The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, May 18, at 1402 South Silver Avenue.
EducationSTC, Donna ISD celebrate renovated automotive training facility at Donna High School
Donna ISD and South Texas College (STC) celebrated the opening of a renovated automotive training facility at Donna High School East. This facility aims to enhance workforce education and provide dual credit opportunities for students. Superintendent Angela Dominguez noted the upgraded space is equipped with modern tools to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry. STC President Ricardo J. Solis highlighted the increasing need for technical training in the region. The event also featured a donation of a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado from General Motors for instructional purposes, reinforcing the commitment to career and technical education.
EducationVanguard Academy breaks ground on new athletic complex in Alamo
ALAMO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Vanguard Academy officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday for its new Mozart Athletic Complex. Students, staff, board members, and community leaders gathered for the Mozart P-Tech Early College High School's gymnasium and athletic complex. Superintendent of Schools for Vanguard Academy, Marisol Rocha, said the school has not had a gym for
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