San Angelo Student Driven by TSTC Toyota Program

(WACO, Texas) – Ricardo Echeverria of San Angelo did not go to college right after graduating from the city’s Central High School in 2017.

He went to work at Mitchell Toyota in San Angelo as a lube technician, but said he knew he needed to advance his career.

A dealership employee recommended that Echeverria give Texas State Technical College’s Automotive Technology – Toyota Technician Training and Education Network, or T-TEN, specialization a look. He began classes at the Waco campus in fall 2018.

“It’s been really good,” Echeverria said. “It’s a lot of hands-on and very informational. The instructors have been good teaching and spending one-on-one time with us.”

Echeverria said his favorite lessons have dealt with engines.

“We get to take the engine apart, and we put it back together and make sure the specs are correct,” he said.

During the summer, Echeverria went back to work at Mitchell Toyota as a main line technician diagnosing and fixing customers’ problems.

“The technicians are very helpful and understood I was a student,” he said. “It opened my eyes to the real world.”

Tony Palmer, Mitchell Toyota’s service manager, said he likes Echeverria’s motivation to better himself. He said students like Echeverria are good for programs like T-TEN.

“If they (students) just had the knowledge that the program is there and if they want to do that type of work in the field, it would be a great option for them,” Palmer said.

After graduating from TSTC, Echeverria said he wants to return to San Angelo to work at the Toyota dealership and later work in San Antonio.

TSTC’s Waco campus is one of four two-year institutions in Texas offering the Toyota curriculum, along with more than 30 two-year colleges nationwide. T-TEN is a consortium of Lexus and Toyota dealerships and two-year colleges developing students with industry-backed training to work in more than 1,500 dealerships nationwide as factory-certified technicians.

“We can take them from almost knowing nothing to being good technicians,” said Roy “Rip” Plumlee, a TSTC Automotive Technology instructor who teaches some of the T-TEN courses.

The program curriculum was revamped this year to have students spend half of their semesters in classes learning about automotive electrical systems, brake systems, climate control systems and other topics, and the remaining weeks working at Toyota dealerships. Plumlee said students who come from throughout Texas to attend TSTC must maintain work at a Toyota dealership to stay in the program.

Plumlee said he has an agreement with his students for them to send him an email when their salaries reach a high level after graduation.

“I hope they go on to long-term, successful careers at Toyota,” he said.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC machining program shapes careers

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – With manufacturing on the rise, the number of skilled machinists needed in the industry is also increasing.

And Precision Machining Technology at Texas State Technical College is working to produce the machinists needed to meet the demand.

TSTC Precision Machining Technology lead instructor Isaac Gonzalez said he receives phone calls very often from local and statewide companies requesting his graduates, and with a job placement rate of 98%, many of the program’s students accept job offers before even graduating.

What is the length of the program?

Precision Machining Technology offers two degree paths: certificate, one year; associate of applied science, two years.

What can students expect when they graduate?

Before graduating from Precision Machining Technology, students have the option to earn a Haas Certification, which certifies them as a computer numerical control (CNC) machinist, and a Mastercam Certification, which certifies that the student is trained and knowledgeable in computer-aided manufacturing software.

What skills do students learn in Precision Machining Technology?

Students in the program will learn skills in manufacturing programming, design, manual machining, CNC programming and machining, blueprint reading and engineering graphics.

In addition to technical skills, students will also learn soft skills such as communication, time management, and organization.

What types of technologies are used to learn these skills?

Precision Machining Technology focuses its training on hands-on learning. Students in the program have access to a fully equipped machine shop with machining tools, CNC machines, lathes, mills and precision grinders. Computer labs are also available for students to learn and practice their skills in design and programming.

How do these skills prepare a student for the workforce?

By learning these skills, students will become well-rounded Precision Machining Technology graduates who are familiar with and have knowledge about industry-standard equipment and processes. Their versatile skills and additional certifications will allow them to be more marketable and competitive when starting their careers.

What types of positions can a graduate from this program obtain?

Graduates from the program can find positions as CNC technicians, manual machinists, tool and die machinists, and quality control inspectors.

Companies that have already hired TSTC Precision Machining Technology graduates include Atlantic Tool & Die, Consulting Point, Delta Centrifugal, ITD Precision, Raytheon and Toyota.

First-generation college student designs her life at TSTC

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – As a first-generation college student, Marisol Arias is proving to herself and others that she can break barriers for herself and her family.

The Brownsville native is an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology student at Texas State Technical College, where she is expected to graduate in Spring 2020 with an associate degree.

“I can’t believe it’s almost time,” said the 19-year-old. “It’s exciting. I can’t wait to discover all of the opportunities out there.”

In fact, opportunity has already come knocking.

Arias is working in her degree field at Home and Commercial Designs in Brownsville, where she was hired after completing a one-year internship.

“This has been a huge opportunity for me to practice my skills and apply what I am learning in the classroom to the real world,” she said. “To be getting this type of experience before graduating is surreal and a dream come true.”

Arias said her love for art and drawing led her to architecture and design in high school, and when she had the opportunity to take an Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics class at TSTC as a high school student, she knew this was her program of choice.

But being the first in her family to attend college, she had a few hurdles to jump.

“I navigated a lot of the high-school-to-college transition on my own,” she said. “The process was foreign to my family, but thankfully my high school counselors and the staff at TSTC helped me figure it all out.”

By overcoming these obstacles, Arias said she had access to hands-on training that is preparing her for a successful career, instructors who have supported and encouraged her, and an internship that has allowed her to start her career before even graduating.

“I never imagined I would be where I am today,” she said. “I have gained so much by attending TSTC, and it’s only the beginning.”

Arias boasts a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and said her goal is to maintain it so she can graduate as a TSTC Board of Regents honors graduate and make her family proud.

“Everything I am doing is to give my family a better future,” she said. “I want to help my parents with financial stability and be able to support my brother’s educational journey. I hope I can make them proud.”

Arias’ parents always emphasized the importance of an education and college.

“In our home, education has always been a priority,” said Arias. “And I want to set that example for my brother and pave the way for him. He has already said he’s coming to TSTC.”

With hopes of growing within the industry, Arias also dreams of owning an architectural design firm someday.

“I have my entire future ahead of me. Only time will tell where I end up,” she said. “But one thing for sure is that I am proud that I will be able to call myself a college graduate.”

Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics is also offered online, and beginning in Spring 2020 it will offer evening classes.

For more information, visit https://tstc.edu/programs/DraftingDesign.

Industry Job Fair gets TSTC students hired

(HARLINGEN, Texas) – Attending the biannual Industry Job Fair at Texas State Technical College has become a tradition for directors and managers from Laughlin Air Force Base’s Civil Service Maintenance Directorate.

Joseph Cortinas, Laughlin’s aircraft maintenance project manager, joined more than 60 other industry partners on Thursday during the college’s Industry Job Fair.

“This fair is a great recruitment pipeline for us,” said Cortinas. “We admire TSTC’s aviation programs for their structured training. TSTC is always a good experience for us.”

Cortinas said they have hired TSTC aviation graduates from the college’s Harlingen, Waco and West Texas campuses.

“TSTC graduates are well trained and ready to work,” he said. “And this is why we keep coming back.”

Cortinas and his colleagues conducted more than 10 interviews with TSTC students, all of whom they considered excellent job candidates.

TSTC Aircraft Airframe Technology and Aircraft Powerplant Technology instructor Leo Guajardo said he is excited when his students are presented with opportunities like the job fair, which introduces them to recruiters like Cortinas.

“Some of my students have already been given preliminary job offers,” he said. “This job fair allows them to see and speak one-on-one with recruiters, and I’m excited to see them excel.”

But with more than 600 TSTC students and alumni in attendance, others also had a successful day.

Raul Ledezma, an alumnus of TSTC’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program, was interviewed on-site and given a job offer by Hellas Construction.

“Hellas was the first table I stopped at,” said the 46-year-old. “I never expected to be invited for an interview. I haven’t even made my way around the fair. I’m extremely excited and happy right now.”

Ledezma graduated earlier this month from the CDL program after being laid off from his job in the oil field.

“I only learned about the CDL program when I went to the workforce office after my layoff,” he said. “They even helped me pay for the class. It’s all happened so quickly, but it has definitely paid off.”

TSTC Director of Career Services Viviana Espinosa said that every year the job fair, which is held in fall and spring semesters, grows exponentially, and an increasing number of students and alumni receive job offers on-site.

“This is our largest fall Industry Job Fair to date,” said Espinosa. “And it’s because of our industry partners and our students. They make this event a success.”

Espinosa added that she receives positive feedback from industry representatives after every fair.

“I’m always told that the fair exceeds expectations,” she said. “And knowing about today’s hires, it’s evident that our students make a great impression.”

TSTC’s Industry Job Fair is in line with TSTC’s mission of placing more Texans in great-paying jobs.

“This provides the opportunity to show our students how their skills are in demand,” said Espinosa. “And it gives them a chance to network, showcase their skills and take the step toward a successful career.”

For more information on the services offered by TSTC Career Services, visit https://tstc.edu/student_life/careerservices.

Aspen Institute Names TSTC as a Top 150 U.S. Community College Eligible for 2021 Aspen Prize

$1 Million Prize Recognizes Excellence in Equitable Outcomes for Students In and After College

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program today named Texas State Technical College as one of 150 community and technical colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges.

Based on strong and improving student outcomes — including in learning, completion rates, employment rates and earnings, and equity — 15 percent of community colleges nationwide have been invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.

“The TSTC team is thrilled to learn that our efforts toward student achievement have earned us a spot in the Aspen Institute’s Top 150,” said Mike Reeser, chancellor of the TSTC System. “We’re truly honored by the invitation because of the elite group of colleges we join.”

The 150 community colleges named today as eligible to compete for the 2021 Aspen Prize were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 public two-year colleges nationwide using publicly available data on student outcomes. Located in 39 states in urban, rural and suburban areas, serving as few as 500 students and as many as 75,000 students, these colleges represent the diversity and depth of the community college sector.

Data show that over the last two years, student retention, graduation rates and degree completion have improved at the top tier of 150 Aspen Prize-eligible colleges.

“Community colleges play a vital role in developing talent and enabling social mobility across the country, and it’s critical for them to get better at what they do,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “We’re pleased to see evidence that these institutions are improving, that more are delivering on their promise. We’re also pleased to play a role in honoring outstanding community colleges and sharing what works to ensure great outcomes for students — through graduation and beyond.”

The top 10 finalists for the 2021 Aspen Prize will be named in May 2020. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data, including employment and earnings data. A distinguished jury will make award decisions in spring 2021.

Previous winners of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence are: Miami Dade College (FL) and Indian River State College (FL), 2019; Lake Area Technical College (SD), 2017; Santa Fe College (FL), 2015; Santa Barbara City College (CA) and Walla Walla Community College (WA), 2013; and Valencia College (FL), 2011.

For a full list of the top 150 eligible institutions and to read more on the selection process, visit www.highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.

# # #

The Aspen Prize is generously funded by ECMC Foundation, Joyce Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, and Siemens Foundation.

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices, policies and leadership that significantly improve student outcomes, especially for the growing population of low-income students and students of color on American campuses. For more information, visit http://highered.aspeninstitute.org/ and www.linkedin.com/showcase/aspenhighered and follow @AspenHigherEd on Twitter.

The Aspen Institute is a community-serving organization with global reach whose vision is a free, just and equitable society. For 70 years, the Institute has driven change through dialogue, leadership and action to help solve the world’s greatest challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Institute has offices in Aspen, Colorado, and New York City, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

TSTC Hosts School Counselor Update

(HUTTO, Texas) – More than 20 counselors from school districts in Williamson County attended on Friday the Counselor Update hosted by Texas State Technical College’s East Williamson County campus.

The gathering was at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto and included tours of TSTC’s Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity and Precision Machining Technology programs. Attendees also learned about TSTC’s admission requirements, funding formula and recruitment efforts.

Kari Schroeder, a counselor at Taylor High School, said she was glad to learn more about TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee that enables program-enrolled graduates to receive their tuition money back if they do not have a job within six months after graduation. The eligible programs are Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Lineworker Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, Instrumentation Technology and Welding Technology.

“I feel like for me that gave me a glimpse of the actual jobs they are being placed in before or at graduation,” Schroeder said.

Travis Clark, career and technical education coordinator for the Hutto Independent School District, said he was impressed with the Cybersecurity program’s labs.

Clark said some of the challenges in career and technical education include getting students and parents to understand there is financial aid available to pursue an array of college options. He said teachers and counselors need to help students figure out what can work best with the skills they have.

Attendees heard from an early afternoon panel made up of representatives from National Oilwell Varco in Cedar Park, the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. Representatives talked about ways they provide support in developing Texas’ workforce.

The event was a way to thank counselors for encouraging students to attend TSTC, said Viña Asayas, a TSTC student recruitment coordinator.

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.

TSTC Student Strives to Set Example for Siblings

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Not many people know exactly what they want to do before they graduate from high school, but Texas State Technical College student Ethan Saucedo had a game plan since his junior year.

“TSTC came to our school, and I knew they had a good program. So I visited TSTC and met with Ms. Renee, the instructor, and I just knew this was where I wanted to be,” Saucedo said.

Saucedo is now a first-semester student in the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program at the Brownwood campus. He is also the first in his family to go to college.

“I have a lot of younger cousins and two younger siblings, and I want to set a good example and encourage them to pursue college,” he said.

While earning his associate degree, Saucedo is commuting over 70 miles a day from his hometown in Eden to attend classes.

“I want to better myself and do good for my family, so you just have to do what it takes to get the work done,” Saucedo said.

Saucedo’s work ethic has not gone unnoticed. His instructor, Renee Blackshear, says she is very impressed with what he has already accomplished and is looking forward to what he will do.

“Ethan is a great kid. He works hard and has such a positive attitude. He is planning on competing for us in SkillsUSA, and I think he will do very well and grow even more,” Blackshear said.

Although he has only been with TSTC for one semester, Saucedo is already excited for what the future holds.

“I’m really glad I’m here. I’m excited to compete in SkillsUSA, and graduate and eventually find the right job,” Saucedo said. “I would encourage anyone to look at TSTC because I really enjoy my program.”

Registration for the Spring 2020 semester is underway. For more information about TSTC, go online at tstc.edu.

Ethan Saucedo is a Texas State Technical College student in the Computer Networking and Systems Administration program at the Brownwood campus. He is the first in his family to attend college.

Student Veteran Earns Two Degrees at TSTC

(ABILENE, Texas) – Why stop at one college degree when having two is twice as nice?

Texas State Technical College student and Army veteran Devan Moore is earning his second degree at TSTC and is expected to graduate this December. He graduated from the Sweetwater campus in 2018 with an associate degree in Wind Energy Technology and is now pursuing an associate degree in Industrial Systems at the Abilene campus.

“I wanted to make sure I found the career that was perfect for me, so I decided to earn the second degree to make sure I could find the company and type of work that I would love,” Moore said.

Moore enrolled at TSTC right after leaving the Army in 2016. Upon completing his first degree, he immediately reenrolled for the second degree.

“I’m excited to be done with school, but I’m very proud of what I have accomplished,” Moore said. “I’m interviewing for the right job, and as I tell employers everything I am learning and have learned, it seems to impress them because the programs are so comprehensive.”

One of Moore’s favorite things about his time at TSTC is the relationship he has built with fellow veterans, classmates and TSTC Veteran Services representative Annette Collins.

“Annette is a rock star. She makes sure we have everything we need for our benefits and allows us to focus on learning and getting that degree. And that allows me to build up these friendships with other veterans and then be available to offer advice to the younger guys in class,” Moore said.

For Collins, seeing the veterans succeed is what makes her day.

“Those students are my babies. I think of them as my children, so it makes me so proud to see them working hard and doing so well,” Collins said.

Collins is a 20-year Air Force veteran.

She and Moore both agree that TSTC is a great place for veterans to continue their education.

“There is a lot going on when you leave the military, and it’s hard to feel normal again. But this environment, where you get to work with your hands and be around other people who understand what you’re going through, is awesome,” Moore said.

For more information about TSTC, log on to tstc.edu.

Texas State Technical College student veteran Devan Moore is pursuing his second degree at TSTC. He is expected to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in the Industrial Systems program.

TSTC Combines Art and Technology for Project With Abilene Cultural Affairs Council

(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College has partnered with the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council to help create the newest addition to the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden in Abilene.

Three metal panels of sculptural vines standing about 7 feet tall and titled “Cardinal Vines” will be added to the garden in 2020. On the vines will be representations of 21 cardinals, and the leaves can be engraved to honor someone special.

TSTC Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology instructor Magaly Valdez designed the vine panels, and student Justin Morrow designed the cardinals and leaves.

“This was an awesome opportunity to show what the Architectural Design program can do and a great way for us to give back to the community,” Valdez said.

Morrow is an Abilene native and said he felt honored to be part of the process.

“I think it’s really cool to take what I’ve learned in class and apply it to a project for my community,” Morrow said.

The idea for the project was presented to TSTC by Lynn Barnett, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council executive director, and Pam Tippen, co-chairperson of the Storybook Garden.

“The ‘Cardinal Vines’ is an opportunity to allow the community to honor a loved one and be part of bettering the Abilene area,” Barnett said “This was Pam Tippen’s brainchild, and I am very excited for what TSTC has done for us and for what this will mean for the community.”

The “Cardinal Vines” project is part of a fundraiser for the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council to install more lighting in the Storybook Garden and be able to provide more opportunities for the community to gather.

“This project and so many others are not possible without the help of so many talented people. The community is so amazing in providing their skill set, and we are so thankful for TSTC’s willingness to be part of this,” Tippen said.

“Cardinal Vines” is expected to be unveiled during the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival next spring.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Texas State Technical College instructor Magaly Valdez and associate provost Justin Price (standing), along with Pam Tippen and Lynn Barnett (seated), visit the site where the three panels will be installed in 2020.

TSTC to Offer Paramedic Program in Spring

(BROWNWOOD, Texas) – Texas State Technical College will offer a certificate and an associate of applied science degree in Emergency Medical Services Paramedic at the Brownwood campus beginning next semester.

“We are very excited to offer the paramedic program at the Brownwood campus and believe this will be a great opportunity for local community members,” Andy Weaver, TSTC director of EMS and division director of Allied Health Services, said.

While the paramedic program was offered at the Brownwood campus over 10 years ago, TSTC phased it out due to lack of interest. With rising job demand and need for those with paramedic licenses, the program has been brought back.

“There is a huge need in this community for paramedics, and now we can fill that need and allow our students to further their career path in their hometown area without having to commute or transfer,” Stephen Sharp, instructor for EMS at the Brownwood campus, said.

TSTC is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs and recently received approval to teach the paramedic program at the Brownwood campus.

“We are so excited and ready for this program to get started. We have the right staff and the right equipment to serve these students at the highest standard,” Weaver said.

The paramedic program is now offered at the Abilene, Brownwood and Harlingen campuses.

Sharp encourages anyone interested in attending the paramedic program at the Brownwood campus to attend an information session hosted every Tuesday at 2 p.m.

“My door is always open to provide information about this career field because it such a rewarding field. If you feel called to this line of work and are ready to work hard and help people, we want you,” Sharp said.