Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
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
EducationThe Long Haul: STC Student Celebrates Hard-Won Graduation
Esmeralda Hernandez, a 51-year-old from McAllen, is set to graduate from South Texas College this weekend, joining nearly 4,000 other students. Her journey has been challenging, marked by personal struggles including homelessness and food insecurity. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and earned her associate degree in Criminal Justice. Hernandez plans to continue her education this fall, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership. She credits STC and the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) for their support, which helped her overcome adversity. Hernandez aims to inspire others with her story, emphasizing that it’s never too late to pursue one's dreams.
EducationSouth Texas ISD hires Sandra Garza Ochoa as new superintendent
MERCEDES, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The South Texas Independent School District Board of Trustees has voted to hire finalist Sandra Garza Ochoa as its new superintendent. On April 7, Ochoa was voted as the lone finalist for the South Texas ISD superintendent position, as previously reported on ValleyCentral. Ochoa is set to replace the former superintendent, Marco
EducationValley high school seniors surprised with full-ride scholarships
On Friday, a group of Rio Grande Valley high school seniors received unexpected news: they were awarded full-ride scholarships worth over $50,000 each from the Texas National Bank's TNB Foundation. Out of more than 2,000 applicants, 12 students were selected, including Harlingen High School senior Emily Corona. Corona expressed her joy and shared her personal journey, highlighting the challenges of growing up in a split household. She plans to attend UT San Antonio to study law, inspired by her experiences in court. Texas National Bank President Joe Quiroga emphasized the foundation's commitment to supporting families and communities.
EducationEditorial: Texas Must Defend the Integrity of Higher Education
The Texas A&M University System is taking action against an organization calling itself 'TexAM University' for operating without the necessary state authorization. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board confirmed that this entity lacks the required Certificate of Authority to grant degrees and has been misleadingly advertising STEM programs. State officials emphasized that no institution can use the term 'university' without proper approval, and violations could lead to serious penalties. The integrity of higher education in Texas is at stake, and the state is committed to ensuring that all educational institutions meet legal standards to protect students and families.
EducationTexas A&M System Demands Halt to Unauthorized Use of University Name
The Texas A&M University System has sent a cease-and-desist letter to a North Texas Muslim education organization for unauthorized use of its name and trademarks. The organization, operating as 'TexAM University,' is accused of causing confusion about its affiliation with Texas A&M. Chancellor Glenn Hegar emphasized the importance of protecting the university's name, which represents over a century of academic excellence. The Texas American Muslim Institute of Technology in Dallas is not recognized as a university by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Texas A&M is prepared to take legal action if the organization does not comply.
EducationHow STC’s Valley Promise Launched an HVACR Pro
Roel Ramirez is set to graduate from South Texas College (STC) this May with an associate degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR), thanks to the Valley Promise Program. This initiative covers tuition and fees after financial aid, allowing students to focus on their studies without financial stress. Ramirez, who secured a job in his field before graduating, emphasized the program's impact on his education and career. With only 19% of adults in the Rio Grande Valley holding an associate degree or higher, STC aims to improve access to higher education and transform lives through Valley Promise.
EducationMcAllen ISD recognizes Teachers of the Year 2026-2027
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The McAllen Independent School District recognized two Teachers of the Year at its 31st annual luncheon, which honors teachers from the district's 31 campuses. Alissa Shirah of Morris Middle School was honored as Secondary District Teacher of the Year. Bernadette De Leon of Escandon Elementary was honored as the Elementary District
EducationSchool nurse's dedication impacting generations of students
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — As we celebrate Nurse Appreciation Week 2026, ValleyCentral is honoring nurses across the Valley for their dedication to our community. School nurses play a big role in helping our community by educating the next generation about their health needs. Elizabeth Cisneros has been a school nurse for the last 17 years,
EducationSouth Texas College waiving student parking fines for food pantry donations
South Texas College has introduced a Parking Citation Forgiveness Program that allows students to eliminate parking fines by donating food and self-care items to the college's food pantry. Launched in February 2026, the initiative has already gathered over 1,000 items. Students can remove a parking ticket by contributing seven items, with 90 students collectively waiving around $9,000 in fines so far. Cindy Zavala, Director of Parking & Security, emphasized the positive impact of the program, noting that it helps support fellow students in need. The donations will assist 360 students enrolled in the food pantry program.