Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationDr. Gina Cano-Monreal Says the Valley Must Build Its Workforce Before the Jobs Arrive
Dr. Gina Cano-Monreal, provost of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, emphasized the need for South Texas educational institutions to collaborate with employers to prepare a skilled workforce for upcoming industrial projects in the Rio Grande Valley. Speaking at a recent panel, she highlighted that companies investing in the region prioritize workforce readiness and require communication about future labor needs. Cano-Monreal noted that partnerships, like that with Bechtel for the Rio Grande LNG project, are essential for aligning training programs with industry demands. She urged institutions to engage students and families early about emerging career opportunities.
EducationSTC Makes History as First Nursing Apprenticeship Cohort Achieves 100% Pass Rate
South Texas College (STC) has made history as the first federally recognized nursing apprenticeship program, with all 10 graduates passing the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt, achieving a 100% pass rate. This inaugural cohort has completed 2,000 hours of paid training at DHR Health, bridging education and healthcare. The program, developed in partnership with various organizations, aims to address the nursing shortage in the Rio Grande Valley, projected to exceed 6,200 by 2030. STC plans to launch a second cohort, building on the success of the first and continuing to support community healthcare needs.
EducationRaymond Gutierrez Says Hands-On Training Is Key to Automotive Careers
Raymond Gutierrez, the education director at South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in McAllen, highlighted the importance of hands-on training in the new Automotive Service Technician program. This program prepares students for a rapidly evolving automotive industry that now requires knowledge of computers and advanced diagnostics. Gutierrez emphasized that students will gain practical experience in areas such as engine repair and electrical systems, focusing on problem-solving skills. Local employers have contributed to shaping the curriculum to meet workforce demands in the Rio Grande Valley. McAllen Commissioner Tony Aguirre encouraged students to pursue their education and explore opportunities in the automotive field.
EducationPharr Housing Authority Awards 2026 READ Scholarships
On July 20, 2026, the Pharr Housing Authority (PHA) hosted the Project READ Scholarship Luncheon, honoring 33 scholarship recipients for their academic achievements and leadership. The program aims to empower PHA residents to pursue higher education by providing financial assistance for college and technical training. This initiative highlights education as a vital pathway to economic mobility and generational success. The event gathered board members, staff, families, and community supporters to celebrate the students' accomplishments and reinforce the importance of education in building stronger families and a brighter future for the community.
EducationMcAllen ISD superintendent rides bus on first day of school
On the first day of school, McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez rode bus number eight to experience the student commute firsthand. Approximately 5,000 out of 19,500 students in the district rely on school buses. At Thigpen-Zavala Elementary, staff ensured that students were safely boarded, as parents must be present at bus stops for child safety. Some students returned to school because no adult was waiting for them. Gutierrez emphasized the importance of safety and asked for parental patience during the initial days of school due to traffic delays. The district offers a bus tracker app for parents.
EducationPSJA ISD kicks off 2026-27 school year
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District employees gathered at the Bert Ogden Arena on Tuesday to highlight the successes of the 2025-2026 school year and introduce new ongoing initiatives for the upcoming year. According to a PSJA spokesperson, nearly 4,500 employees attended the event to kick off the 2026-2027 school year. Keynote
EducationGov. Abbott Awards $2M to Expand Free Course Materials for Texas College Students
Governor Greg Abbott has announced over $2 million in grants to nine Texas colleges to enhance access to free educational resources for students in nursing and workforce training programs. This funding, part of the Open Educational Resource (OER) Grant Program, aims to help institutions create and adopt openly licensed materials available through the OERTX digital library. Since its inception in 2018, the program has benefited over 33,000 students, saving them approximately $3.5 million in textbook costs. The institutions receiving grants include Alamo Community College District and Texas A&M University – Kingsville, among others.
EducationEmployers Invited to “Worlds of Work South Texas” Sept. 18th
Workforce Solutions is hosting the inaugural Worlds of Work South Texas on September 18th at the South Texas College Technology Campus in McAllen. This event aims to connect students with various employers to explore career pathways through hands-on activities. Employers are encouraged to create interactive experiences that showcase their industries, allowing students to engage directly with potential careers. Participation is free for employers, who must commit to providing engaging activities. This initiative seeks to inspire students and help them envision future careers in South Texas, fostering the next generation of skilled professionals.
EducationPSJA ISD Dominates 5A UIL State Theatre Competition, Taking Top Two Honors
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) theatre programs achieved significant recognition at the UIL 5A State Theatre Competition in May. PSJA Southwest Early College High School was crowned the UIL 5A State Champion Theatre Team, while PSJA North Early College High School secured the First Runner-Up position. This accomplishment places PSJA Southwest as the leading Class 5A theatre program in Texas. The awards reflect excellence in various aspects of theatre arts, with PSJA students earning 27 medals at the UIL State Theatrical Design Contest. Additionally, PSJA Southwest won Bronze in the One-Act Play Contest and PSJA North excelled in digital animation and documentary categories.
EducationRegional Health Director Tours McAllen ISD Facilities
Erin Tawney, the Regional Director for the US Department of Health and Human Services, visited McAllen ISD on August 14, 2026, to explore the district's Child Nutrition Department. During her tour of the Central Kitchen, she praised the new meal plan set to launch this school year, which aims to enhance meal freshness and nutritional quality through scratch cooking. McAllen ISD plans to introduce new recipes using fresh ingredients, with rollouts scheduled for October, January, and March. The district has provided free meals to students since 1998, serving around 30,000 meals daily.
EducationSTC eFaculty of the Year Spearheads Biology Digital Transformation
Alan Herrera, a biology instructor at South Texas College, has been recognized as the 2026 eFaculty of the Year for his innovative use of technology in online education. Over the past decade, he has transformed the learning experience for his students by integrating advanced tools, such as virtual labs and Open Educational Resources, to enhance accessibility and reduce costs. Herrera began his teaching career as a student assistant and has since played a pivotal role in the department's digital transformation. He emphasizes collaboration and aims to prepare students for the future by incorporating artificial intelligence into his teaching methods.
EducationOpenAI Launches ChatGPT for Teens, a Version of the Chatbot Designed for Adolescents
OpenAI has launched a version of ChatGPT designed for teenagers, the first generation growing up with artificial intelligence, who are already using it for school assignments, questions about everyday life, and even as companionship. The San Francisco-based company states that ChatGPT for Teens, released on Tuesday, is tailored for kids aged 13 to 17, with stronger protections, including content restrictions around topics such as suicide, self-harm, and romantic or sexual conversations. It also provides support for homework and study designed to help students learn, rather than just spitting out answers and writing school papers. The aim is to guide teenagers toward healthy use of AI in an age-appropriate environment, the company noted. 'We want to treat teenagers like teenagers, which means we have to ensure we present ourselves at the right developmental stage, without talking down to them or treating them like children, but also making sure they are not exposed to material they shouldn’t be exposed to,' said Ann O’Leary, OpenAI's Vice President of Global Policy.
EducationMcAllen ISD superintendent surprises students on first day of school
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Monday marked the first day back to school at the McAllen Independent School District. To start the school year on a positive note, students from Thigpen-Zavala Elementary had McAllen ISD Superintendent Rene Gutierrez ride along with them on the school bus as part of the district's new initiative called Inside the
EducationSTVT Invests in the Rio Grande Valley’s Skilled Workforce
The South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT) in McAllen has launched a new Automotive Service Technician program, aimed at addressing the demand for skilled automotive workers in the Rio Grande Valley. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, STVT President Vanessa Pardo emphasized the program's focus on hands-on education and workforce development. The curriculum combines classroom learning with practical training on modern equipment, preparing students for various entry-level positions. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos highlighted the importance of technical education in today’s job market. The event also honored Estela Flores for her 40 years in vocational education, concluding with campus tours.
EducationShakira visits earthquake-affected area in Colombia; promises to rebuild schools
Colombian superstar Shakira visited Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, on Monday to pledge her support for rebuilding at least 10 schools damaged by a recent earthquake that killed hundreds. During her surprise visit, she expressed concern for the future of children unable to attend school due to the disaster. Shakira's Barefoot Foundation will collaborate with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, which has committed to assist in the reconstruction efforts. Additionally, Global Citizen and Live Nation have each pledged $500,000 to support the cause. The earthquake, measuring 7.4, devastated the region, destroying over 26,000 homes and affecting numerous educational institutions.
EducationIDEA Palmview welcomes first-ever senior class
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — IDEA Palmview welcomed its first-ever senior class on Monday for the first day of school. The campus first opened in 2020 and added one grade level each year. Six years later, the campus is fully scaled and is celebrating its first-ever senior class. A senior wall was unveiled to celebrate IDEA
EducationIDEA Public Schools across the Valley to offer breakfast, lunch to all students
IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students starting Monday, August 17. This initiative is part of the Community Eligibility Provision under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, allowing students to receive meals without the need for applications. This change affects nearly 34,000 students across 51 campuses in the Valley. Two campuses, IDEA Palmview and IDEA Harlingen College Prep, opened their doors for the first time in 2020 and are now welcoming their inaugural senior class, the Class of 2027.
EducationMcAllen ISD holds send-off event for bus drivers on first day of school
On August 17, the McAllen Independent School District (MISD) kicked off the school year with a send-off event for its 66 school buses, which will transport over 19,000 students. Each day, the buses serve about 5,000 students across 60 routes. Superintendent Dr. René Gutiérrez expressed gratitude to the bus drivers for their commitment to student safety. Driver Tomasita Dillard, with nearly 15 years of experience, emphasized the importance of communication for ensuring safety. The district also introduced the 'Here Comes The Bus' app to help parents track their children's buses and stay informed about routes.
EducationLa Joya ISD secures $10 million grant to expand afterschool programs at 10 schools
La Joya Independent School District has been awarded a $10 million grant to enhance afterschool programs at ten elementary schools. This funding, part of the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education initiative, will provide $2 million annually for five years. The schools benefiting from this grant include Guillermo Flores, Elioda R. Chapa, N.G. Cavazos, Tabasco, Henry B. Gonzalez, Sam Fordyce, Juan N. Seguin, William J. Clinton, Evangelina Garza, and Dr. Palmira Mendiola Elementary. Programs will begin on September 1, focusing on academic support in reading and math, tutoring, STEAM activities, and family engagement workshops.