Education
Education news from McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
EducationFree career training program opens for farmworkers
Farmworkers in the McAllen area can access free career training through a new initiative by Workforce Solutions and the MET Program. This program focuses on cattle ranching and agriculture, providing seasonal and migrant workers with the opportunity to earn a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license. Training includes both online coursework and practical driving experience, which typically costs between $4,000 and $7,000. Angela Torres from Hammer Down CDL School emphasized the importance of equipping students with in-demand skills. Funded by the National Farmworker Jobs Program, the program offers morning and evening classes, and applications are currently open with certain requirements.
EducationValley group working with schools to fill construction worker shortage caused by ICE arrests
The ongoing ICE arrests at construction sites are significantly impacting the workforce in the Rio Grande Valley, according to RGV LEAD Executive Director Maricela De Leon. She noted that concerns about worker shortages have prompted the organization to collaborate with local school districts. Over the past year, RGV LEAD has been taking high school students to construction sites to expose them to various trades. De Leon emphasized the importance of providing students with hands-on experience. The organization plans to increase these site visits in the upcoming school year to further engage students in the construction field.
EducationBrownsville and McAllen school districts under investigation over display of Ten Commandments
The Brownsville and McAllen Independent School Districts are currently under investigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to verify their compliance with a state law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This investigation follows a recent appeals court ruling that allows Texas to enforce Senate Bill 10. Nearly 30 school districts across the state are being examined, with Brownsville and McAllen being the only ones in the Rio Grande Valley mentioned. The investigation also seeks to confirm that these districts have voted on implementing prayer in schools, as required by Senate Bill 11.
EducationDue to the World Cup, Mexico Moves Up the End of the School Year to June 5
MEXICO CITY – Mexico will move the end of the 2025-2026 school year to June 5 due to the upcoming 2026 World Cup and a heatwave affecting the country, the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) announced on Thursday. "The conclusion of the school year will be moved up to June 5," the SEP stated in a press release, following a unanimous agreement with state educational authorities. This measure will apply to public and private schools at the basic and upper secondary education levels across the country.
EducationCyberattack Affects Canvas Learning Management System
A widely used educational software appeared to be inaccessible to schools across the country on Thursday night amid an apparent cyberattack. Last week, its parent company, Instructure, reported a cyberattack on the Canvas learning management system, and although its status page indicated that the incident was resolved by Wednesday, Canvas was put into maintenance mode that afternoon. Meanwhile, Canvas became unavailable at schools nationwide, including several in Massachusetts: Harvard and MIT's sites were down, and Boston College issued a tech alert noting a 'widespread outage' of Canvas that Instructure was working to resolve. Student newspapers from each of those universities reported that on Thursday, their Canvas sites began redirecting users to a ransom message from a group of cybercriminals, giving institutions several days to pay to avoid data disclosure. The list includes thousands of schools, among them Harvard, MIT, and Boston College. Our sister station NBC10 Boston has reached out to Harvard, MIT, Boston College, and other local schools listed for comment.
EducationWhat the New College Affordability Plan Means for You
The U.S. Department of Education has announced new loan limits under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, aimed at making higher education more affordable. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program will be eliminated, reinstating borrowing limits for graduate students at $20,500 annually and $100,000 in total. The Parent PLUS program will also see new caps, limiting borrowing to $20,000 per dependent student. These changes aim to curb excessive borrowing and reduce college costs, addressing the growing student loan debt, which has reached nearly $1.7 trillion, with 25% of borrowers in default.
EducationValley father who lost battle to cancer to be honored with posthumous degree
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Rio Grande Valley man who lost his battle to cancer will be honored with a posthumous degree from South Texas College. Francisco Javier Mejia, 51, was studying to get an associate degree in Kinesiology when he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. Mejia's family initially thought he was sore
EducationSTC Transforms Citations into Student Support
South Texas College (STC) has launched a Parking Citation Forgiveness Program that allows students to donate food and self-care items in exchange for waiving parking fines. Since its February inception, over 1,000 items have been collected, equating to more than $9,000 in waived citations. Students can have a citation waived by donating seven qualifying items, which are often less expensive than the fines. The initiative supports the STC Food Pantry and Jaguar Self-Care Den, providing essential resources to students in need. The program has adapted to include more ready-to-eat items and personal care products, enhancing its impact on the student community.
EducationBrownsville ISD officer honored after saving 7-year-old choking student
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — During a regular board meeting on Monday, the Brownsville Independent School District honored an officer credited with saving a 7-year-old student from choking in a cafeteria. On April 24, Officer Salinas performed the Heimlich maneuver on a 7-year-old girl who was choking. Officer Salinas then cleared the obstruction and restored the
EducationSTC’s Annual Commencement Ceremonies, May 8 & 9 in Edinburg
South Texas College will hold its annual Commencement Ceremonies on May 8 and 9 in Edinburg, celebrating nearly 4,000 graduates. On Friday, three ceremonies will honor around 2,000 Dual Credit students from 21 partner school districts in Starr and Hidalgo Counties, who will graduate with college credits before receiving their high school diplomas. A special moment on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. will include a posthumous degree awarded to the family of Francisco Javier Mejia, who passed away in December. The ceremonies will take place at Bert Ogden Arena, with opportunities for photography and interviews.
EducationHow the Valley Promise Put an STC Architecture Student on the Map
Fernanda Olague, a student at South Texas College (STC), is thriving thanks to the Valley Promise program, which provides financial aid and mentorship. Traveling daily from Nuevo Progreso, Mexico, she credits the program and supportive faculty for helping her pursue her dream of becoming an architect. Olague, who has faced challenges crossing the U.S.-Mexico border since childhood, emphasizes the importance of perseverance. As the first in her family to attend college, she feels a strong sense of responsibility to succeed. Olague aims to inspire others to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals with determination.
EducationSTC Honors Student Who Found His Passion Late in Life
Francisco Javier Mejia, who discovered his passion for education later in life, will be honored posthumously at STC's Commencement Ceremonies at the Bert Ogden Arena. Mejia, who passed away on New Year's Eve at 51, was pursuing an associate degree in Kinesiology. His family, including his eldest son Xavier, will accept the degree on his behalf. Despite a successful career at Bert Ogden BMW, Mejia aspired to be a coach, dedicating his time to youth sports. He also enjoyed cooking traditional Mexican dishes. His family remembers him for his generosity and hope to continue his legacy of service and love.
EducationAuditions Open for South Texas New Play Festival, May 12 & 13
Auditions for the 5th Annual South Texas New Play Festival will take place on May 12 and 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the STC Cooper Center for Performing Arts in McAllen. The festival features new plays from local and international playwrights, with last year's event showcasing three selected works from 30 submissions. This year, the workshop production will be 'Miriam’s Song,' which tells the story of three Cuban American siblings navigating personal struggles. Auditions are open to community members aged 18 and over. The production will be performed live on June 26 and 27. For details, contact 956-872-2301 or stctheatredept@gmail.com.
EducationMcAllen ISD Superintendent earns award through support of Fine Arts
Dr. René Gutiérrez, the Superintendent of McAllen ISD, received the TMEA Distinguished Administrator Award on May 4, 2026, for his unwavering support of Fine Arts programs. The award was presented during the McAllen ISD Choral Festival at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Fine Arts Director Debra Loya highlighted Dr. Gutiérrez's role in advocating for Fine Arts as a core component of the district. His leadership contributed to the recent passage of a $335 million bond, which allocates $35 million for Fine Arts facilities. McAllen ISD has also achieved 44 UIL Sweepstakes awards and was recognized as a Best Community for Music Education for the 14th year in a row.
EducationMonte Alto ISD conservator appointed after intentional grade errors, attorney says
Monte Alto ISD has appointed a conservator following revelations of intentional grade discrepancies affecting students from 2019 to 2023. Legal counsel Eden Ramirez indicated that incorrect grades were deliberately entered, particularly in credit recovery programs. The high school was identified as the source of these errors. Although there was speculation about whether students were improperly passed, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) did not finalize an investigation due to a settlement with the conservator, Dr. Sylvia Ibarra. She will monitor academic progress and will be compensated $250 per hour for her services. The district's ratings fluctuated from B to C in recent years.
EducationHow One STC Graduate Discovered a Calling in Teaching
Maria De La Mora, a 23-year-old graduate from South Texas College, is earning her Associate of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. Her journey is marked by resilience, having faced severe medical challenges from birth, including multiple surgeries. De La Mora began her education in special education and later transitioned to general education, inspired by the support of compassionate teachers. She aims to become a special education teacher assistant to help others. As she prepares for graduation on May 8 and 9, her story exemplifies perseverance and the transformative power of education, inspiring future students and graduates alike.
EducationMcAllen ISD highlights community effort to pass bond, next steps
MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — New and improved learning environments are officially on the horizon for McAllen Independent School District students. Over the weekend, voters approved a $335 million bond to modernize campuses, increase security features, and enhance career and technical education and fine arts facilities in this district. While all campuses in this district will see
EducationMission EDC Hosts Sharyland ISD’s Inaugural INCubatoredu Pitch Competition at the CEED
On May 1, Sharyland ISD held its first INCubatoredu Pitch Competition at the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), organized in collaboration with Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC). This program, led by Monica L. Kaufmann, aims to provide students with hands-on entrepreneurship education. Teams from Sharyland High School and Sharyland Pioneer High School presented innovative business ideas, with AIRE and Thermobox advancing to the next round. A panel of local experts evaluated the pitches, offering valuable feedback. Finalists will be announced by May 22, with a chance to compete nationally.
EducationMonte Alto ISD town hall spotlights new conservator agreement
MONTE ALTO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Monte Alto Independent School District held a town hall meeting on Monday evening to discuss the appointment of a state-approved conservator for the district. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) appointed Sylvia Ibarra as a conservator for Monte Alto ISD to monitor academic progress. The decision to appoint Ibarra comes after