Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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.
EducationMando Martinez Says New Avionics Program Will Expand Aviation Training in South Texas
Texas State Representative Mando Martinez announced a new avionics technician program at Weslaco Midvalley Airport aimed at enhancing aviation training opportunities for local students. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, he emphasized the importance of addressing workforce shortages in the aviation sector, particularly in South Texas. The program, a collaboration between South Texas College, the City of Weslaco, Hidalgo County Precinct 1, and the airport, will provide accessible avionics education. Martinez highlighted the donation of an aircraft for training purposes, which will give students hands-on experience. This initiative is seen as a significant step toward establishing Weslaco as a regional aviation hub.
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.