(HARLINGEN) – From magnetic slime and rocket launches to robotic race cars, the Texas State Technical College Challenger Learning Center has two weeks of summer fun lined up in June with their first Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Camp.

“We are so excited for this program. It’s a great opportunity for our Valley students,” said Yvette
Mendoza, TSTC College Readiness coordinator. “STEM is a huge focus right now and with this
program we want to help the school districts keep students engaged in STEM fields and learning even during summer break.”

The pilot program begins June 12 for ages six to 14 and is a half-day summer camp that teaches
about astronomy, rocketry and robotics through hands-on experiences and age-appropriate
activities.

There are four different camps specific to age group: Atlantis, ages six and seven; Discovery,
ages eight and nine; Endeavor, ages 10-12; and Challenger, ages 13 and 14.

Atlantis and Discovery will make magnetic slime and launch rockets respectively, and also complete TSTC’s Micronauts program, which offers kindergarten through fourth-grade students the opportunity to learn science through hands-on projects such as experimenting with magnets and microscopes and learning about computer coding and the solar system with TSTC’s planetarium.

Endeavor and Challenger teams will get to complete Challenger space shuttle flight missions and build and race robotic cars.

“Providing hands-on experiences during this program is an important factor for us,” said Rose
Serafin Corley, TSTC College Readiness program advisor. “This is exciting for the children, it
makes their time with us more meaningful and gives them something to take home as a
memento.”

TSTC College Readiness Director Neri Balli said this program is taking TSTC’s Challenger
Learning Center to the next level.

“This program allows us to expand our services into more areas of STEM and increase our
community involvement at our center,” said Balli. “It lets us open up the world of STEM to even
the youngest learners and open their eyes to the opportunities available to them in the field.”

The goal for the TSTC Challenger Learning Center team is to grow this new program into an
annual tradition that is also offered during winter break and spring break, while also showcasing the campus and STEM fields of study offered.

“TSTC and the Challenger Learning Center really do fit together and go hand-in- hand,” said
Balli. “One of NASA’s goals is to get to Mars and it is the students with an interest in STEM-

related fields and those who have trade-related skills, who will have the opportunity to help make this happen.”

Applications for the STEM Summer Camp are already being accepted. The camp fee is $20 and
will include lunch. There are two sessions available per age group, June 12-15 and June 19-22.

The TSTC Challenger Learning Center STEM Summer Camp is also being offered at TSTC’s
Waco campus.

To register your child, to get more information or pick up an application, call 956-364- 4125.

(HARLINGEN) – May 14, 2018 will be a special day for Harlingen native Sebastian Tovar. It will be the day he begins the career he has been working toward since enrolling at Texas State Technical College in 2016.

The 21-year-old just graduated from TSTC with an associate degree in Building Construction Technology and with a job offer from SpawGlass, a Texas-based commercial and civil contractor, as an assistant superintendent in San Antonio.

“Before getting the job offer I felt like every other college student, worried about what was next,” said Tovar. “But when I got the call, there was a big weight lifted off. I was excited, it was everything I had worked for.”

As a former intern with SpawGlass in Harlingen, Tovar credits his new career to SpawGlass Project Manager and his former supervisor Danny Hawkins.  

While an intern, Tovar worked on the Texas Regional Bank construction project, said Hawkins, site supervisor who encouraged Tovar to take on new challenges.

“Sebastian was a hard worker and quick learner,” said Hawkins. “It was impressive on how engaged and willing he was to learn new things. He grew fast in the few months he was with us. There is no doubt he has a bright future with our company. He is a great asset and we miss him here in Harlingen.”

During his internship with SpawGlass t, Tovar went from shadowing project managers and superintendents to leading safety meetings and managing site teams.

“Danny really helped me move out of my comfort zone and challenge myself,” said Tovar. “I really learned a lot from him and in the field. I’m ready for my new adventure. It’s been a long time coming.”

When Tovar graduated from high school in 2015, the Eagle Scout who wanted to serve his country, joined the Army reserves.

After a year of basic training, he enrolled at a south Texas university. For a man who grew up working with his father, who is a welder, at construction sites and enjoys working outside and with his hands, university life was not for him.

“I changed majors a couple of times: music and political science,” said Tovar. “But I didn’t like it. I felt like I didn’t belong. I was only a number, so I dropped out and moved back home.”

Enticed by the opportunity to learn by doing, Tovar enrolled at TSTC.

“My experience at TSTC was so different from that at the university. It was so much better,” he said. “My instructors actually know my name, they care about my success, our success, as students. And nothing tops hands-on training.”

Tovar said TSTC helped him find his purpose in life and gave him the foundation he needed to start a career.

“Everything I learned in the classroom I applied during my internship and I’m positive I’m going to use it all in my new job. TSTC prepares you for the real-world and I’m excited for my future,” he said.

At TSTC, Tovar had the opportunity to also earn a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Level 1 carpentry, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 and forklift certifications through TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department.

“These additional certifications not only make me a more knowledgeable employee, but they make me more competitive in an already competitive market,” said Tovar.

When it is all said and done, Tovar said he is glad he is no longer living with regret about dropping out of the university and that he’s been able to make his family and girlfriend Serena Hernandez, who have encouraged and supported him along the way, proud.

“I feel good, I’m ready,” he said. “My stars have aligned and everything has fallen into place and I can’t wait to work with SpawGlass and grow in the industry and with the company.”

Tovar and Hernandez have already made the move to San Antonio.

For more information Building Construction Technology, offered at TSTC’s Waco and Harlingen campuses, visit tstc.edu.

(HARLINGEN) – Maria Lara is pursuing a double major at Texas State Technical College. The 20-year-old expects to graduate with her first associate degree in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics this Summer 2018 and with her second degree in Spring 2019 from Precision Machining Technology.

The Progresso native recently received an award from TSTC Service Squad for completing more than 40 hours in community service and she graduated from TSTC’s Student Leadership Academy.

Lara is also active on campus as a member of the Pool Sharks, Veteran Students Alliance Club and the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate I plan on moving somewhere in North Texas to open a tiny house construction company.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to become an architect to design and build houses and commercial buildings. And, I also want to design and create my own jewelry line.

What has been our greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment has been receiving an award for my community service and being able to help make a difference in our area and in people’s lives.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I’m a very impatient person and very fast-paced. I want things done or things to go by quickly so I’ve had to learn how to be patient and pick my battles.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success?

The person who has had the most influence on my success is Samuel Pizano, Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics instructor. He is great at giving advice, I describe him as a therapist who doesn’t get paid for giving advice. And he always encourages me to do my best and always lends a helping hand.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice to future students is to jump on the horse and get things done. Just do what you want and make yourself happy.

(HARLINGEN) – More than 400 Texas State Technical College students recently received a certificate or associate degree during TSTC’s commencement ceremonies at the Harlingen Municipal Auditorium. TSTC administration, family and friends all gathered to celebrate this occasion and welcome these graduates into an alumni network that is 100,000 strong.

Pictured left to right: Joziel Briones, Spirit Truck Lines recruiting supervisor and program coordination; Larry Elizondo, Spirit Truck Lines director of safety and recruiting; Cledia Hernandez, TSTC interim provost; and Adan Trevino, TSTC transportation training center coordinator.

(HARLINGEN) – On Wednesday, the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Continuing Education program at Texas State Technical College received a $3,500 donation from Spirit Truck Lines in Pharr to be used for student scholarships. Spirit Truck Lines is one of the local trucking companies that hires TSTC CDL grads. Close to 300 student have already graduated from TSTC’s continuing education program.

(HARLINGEN) – Amber Briones is pursuing an associate degree in Business Management Technology at Texas State Technical College. The Brownsville native is active around campus as a work study at the Wellness Sports Center, president of the Intramural Sports Club and a volunteer for Student Government Association and New Student Orientation.

The 18-year-old recently received awards at the Student Leadership Banquet for her involvement on campus and volunteer work throughout the community. She received a TSTC Service Squad award for logging more than 40 volunteer hours and winning two awards on behalf of her club: Most Active Club and the President’s Volunteer Service Award for more than 500 volunteer hours.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from TSTC I plan on transferring to Texas A&M-Kingsville, through TSTC’s University Center, to get a bachelor’s degree in accounting and in communication science.

What’s your dream job?

I have two dream jobs and that’s what I’m working toward. I want to become a certified public accountant so I can open up a CrossFit gym and I also hope to become a speech pathologist to help children and adults.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

My greatest accomplishment at TSTC so far has been my involvement on campus and in the community. I am doing things that I never expected before coming to TSTC. I used to be really shy, but my participation in different organizations has helped me grow as a communicator and a person.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned is that no matter how hard life gets or what challenges we face, we have to get up and keep going.

Who at TSTC has had the most influence on your success?

There are so many people here at TSTC that have influenced my success, but the person that stands out the most is my supervisor and Intramural Program Coordinator Joe Garza. He is always encouraging me and pushing me to remain active on campus and do things I never thought I could, like becoming president of our club. He gets me out of my comfort zone because he says that is where success lies.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for all students is to always look on the bright side, encourage others and remain positive.

(HARLINGEN) – Epitacio Ramirez, lead mechanic at the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, and a few members of his team had the opportunity to train at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) Mobil Pump and Motor Maintenance trailer parked at Texas State Technical College for a week-long Infrastructure and Safety Summit.

“I’ve been in the field for 33 years and I still find trainings like this one invaluable,” said Ramirez. “Things are always changing so there’s always something new to learn.”

The summit organized by the Infrastructure Training and Safety Institute, a division of TEEX, the second largest Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training center in the nation and one of only 27 centers across the United States, partnered with TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education department for the second consecutive year to offer low-cost training for employers.  

More than 400 people from municipalities and construction companies from Hidalgo, Cameron and Willacy counties took advantage of the low-cost summit and the 21 different trainings offered.

“We’re able to offer these trainings at low-cost to no-cost thanks to general revenue funds from the state of Texas,” said Donna Zatopek, senior administration coordinator for TEEX. “Our job is to bring low-cost training to areas that otherwise may not have access to it.”

For Ramirez and his team, the Pump and Motor Maintenance course that usually costs $325 was offered for $75 at the summit.

Others, such as the Disaster Preparedness for Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations within the Community Infrastructure, are offered at no cost.

Also, OSHA safety trainings that generally range from $395 to $900 were offered at a discounted  $65 to $105 at the summit.

Myra Deleon, TSTC continuing education coordinator said the partnership between TEEX and TSTC has helped bring training opportunities to a centralized area of the Rio Grande Valley.

“This partnership has really allowed our local entities to take advantage of low-cost training right in their backyard,” said Deleon. “And not only is this a great opportunity for employers, but it’s also a great way to showcase TSTC and our programs.”

Deleon also added that many TSTC instructors complete their required trainings by earning certifications and co-teaching during the summit.

In the two years of this partnership, TSTC and TEEX have been able to serve close to 1,000 people.

Infrastructure Training and Safety Institute Division Director Ron Peddy, said that the impact their trainings have made in the region is thanks to the partnership with TSTC.

“The impact we have made is phenomenal and we couldn’t have done it without TSTC,” said Peddy. “Our goal is to reach as many people as we can because these trainings can save lives.”

Peddy added, “Safety is our number one priority and our mission is to make a difference through training and build, improve and make communities safer.”

TEEX is an internationally recognized leader in the delivery of emergency response, homeland security and workforce training, exercises, technical assistance, and economic development. A member of the Texas A&M University System, TEEX served more than 173,000 people from across the United States and 75 countries last year through hands-on training and technical services.

For more information on TEEX or the services offered by TSTC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education, call 956-364-4567.