Second Chances

The accomplishments are many and varied, but ultimately, STC’s greatest achievement may be offering opportunities to those who don’t even have a high school degree. Last year alone, the college awarded 116 General Education Development (GED) degrees. More than half of those students followed pathways that allowed them to continue their studies and get certificates or associate degrees. A smaller majority say they plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degrees. “Even if you don’t finish high school, STC has a path for you,” said STC Director of Professional and Workforce Education

Olivia De La Rosa. “There are over 100,000 people in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that don’t have a high school diploma and STC is the opportunity they’ve been waiting for. This could be their second chance.”

What’s Next

In the coming months and years, Solis has pledged to continue adding new and innovative programs and services that will benefit the region.

He and his team will be attentive to ideas from the board, faculty and staff, while working to implement a PROMISE imitative that will offer tuition-free opportunities, bring new programs such as Aviation and Avionics, Dental Assistant and a sixth bachelor’s degree in Child Development, upskilling and reskilling with short-term programs and certifications and venture into electric vehicle training.

“Community colleges, do what universities aren’t built to do. We have the resources in place to better prepare and train students who don’t finish high school and even adults who are tired of living paycheck to paycheck,” said President Solis. “Our students are able to get a skill for an in-demand job and even go on to get higher degrees. We take people and give them an opportunity to make a better living and improve not only their lives but that of a whole family.”

TEACH FOR AMERICA’S HONOR ROLL GALA

Photography by: Tiffany Miranda

On March 31st, education supporters across the Rio Grande Valley came together to enjoy an evening of powerful stories, celebrate inspiring honorees, and raise funds to support Teach For America’s local network of 250 leaders advancing educational equity. The Honor Roll Gala is Teach For America’s annual event that shines a spotlight on educational progress and galvanizes the community’s support of our educators and students. Proceeds benefit local programs—including the new Ignite tutoring program—recruiting talented new teachers, providing ongoing career support to veteran educators, and providing direct support to school district partners.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY COLLEGE: MIXING IT UP

On March 29th, the Rio Grande Valley College and Dr. Annabelle Palomo were proud to welcome the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, its members, and many community business leaders to an evening of networking and socializing.

With close to 200 attendees, the mixer was a lively and vibrant event, providing an opportunity for business leaders to connect, make new contacts, and have a great time with fellow Greater Pharr Chamber members. Many businesses generously donated door prizes to help make the night fun and memorable.

Looking ahead, Rio Grande Valley College and Dr. Annabelle Palomo are eager to continue hosting events like this, bringing together Pharr businesses and fostering a strong sense of community.

Edinburg Is For Everyone

City of Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, Jr. delivered his first “State of the City” address to a packed crowd at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. Mayor Garza focused on his administration’s priorities surrounding economic development, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life. The theme for the event was “Empowering today, envisioning tomorrow.” Key highlights of his speech reflecting on 2022 include:

• Edinburg had a total capital investment of $264.8 million, which resulted in an economic impact of $730.5 million and 2,018 jobs created

• Among all U.S. cities with 100,000 or more residents, Edinburg is the FASTEST growing city in South Texas, 5th fastest in the state, and 12th fastest growing in the nation

• More than 9,000 building permits were issued, which resulted in $301 million in construction activity

• $98 million have been invested in improvements throughout Edinburg, which include street upgrades, park and trail improvements, public facilities, and drainage improvements

“Our growth is explosive, and when you look at what’s coming, like Division 1 collegiate football, the ACE building, state-of-the-art medical facilities, Edinburg is the educational, cultural, and healthcare hub of the Valley,” Mayor Garza said. “We have all the key ingredients in Edinburg– solid infrastructure, better roads and drainage, booming growth, and open land to grow.”

54th Annual Fiesta Edinburg

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships, and the City of Edinburg hosted the 54th annual Fiesta Edinburg on March 2 - 5, 2023, at the Bert Ogden Arena. The annual festival brought Grammy Award winner, Los Tigres Del Norte, and Texas Country favorite, the Randy Rogers Band, to Edinburg, TX. Fiesta Edinburg organizers thank its sponsors for helping make this year a memorable event! For more information on Fiesta Edinburg, please visit www.edinburg.com.

19th Annual State Of Real Estate Forum

Photography

by: Tiffany Miranda

Edwards Abstract and Title Co. welcomed the largest gathering of real estate industry professionals and community leaders during the 19th Annual State of Real Estate Forum. Over 400 guests were on hand at the McAllen Convention Center. Dr. Ted C. Jones, Ph.D., National Economist, and Sr. Vice President, served as the keynote speaker, as he has for the past 16 years. Keith Patridge, President & CEO of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation and McAllen Foreign Trade Zone, was invited as the guest speaker. Edwards Abstract and Title Co. coordinates the annual event as a valuable service to real estate industry professionals. During the past 19 years, the State of Real Estate Forum has provided in-depth information on local, state, and national economies. Hundreds of leading real estate brokers, Realtors, lenders, attorneys, builders, community leaders, and developers have supported the Forum.