(HARLINGEN) – The RGV Space Summit was recently hosted at Texas State Technical College to introduce the Harlingen Aerotropolis project and inform students of the educational opportunities the project will bring to skilled graduates from Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs.

“We have a gold mine with Harlingen Aerotropolis,” said Frank Espinoza, manager of community affairs for American Electric Power Texas, during his summit speech. “Events like this show that we, as a group, see full potential in this project and are ready to cater to the aerospace industry.”

Harlingen Aerotropolis is a 450-acre AEP quality site that was created to increase the number of project-ready industrial sites. The Aerotropolis will be home to four development districts: aeronautical, light industry, business complex and general retail, all centered around the Valley International Airport.

“This is going to transform our region,” said Espinoza. “But a young, trainable workforce is critical to the aerotropolis’ success.”

Marv Esterly, director of aviation for Valley International Airport, said the overall goal of the summit was to speak to students about the importance of pursuing STEM careers.

“Many of the programs at TSTC, from welding to mechatronics and engineering, have a place in the aerospace industry,” said Esterly. “Today we need to show TSTC students what possibilities there are and how they can take advantage of these high-tech, high-paying jobs coming to our area soon.”

United Launch Alliance, NASA and Agile Aero led informational sessions for high school and TSTC students enrolled in STEM programs. Each session was 40 minutes long and highlighted each company’s profile, introduced students to instruments and equipment they will be using in the field and explained the importance of STEM skills to the aerospace industry.

“Today’s event is opening a lot of opportunities for us,” said Genesis Martinez, TSTC Aviation Maintenance Technology student. “This is really helping me decide what I want to do after TSTC. It’s giving me more insight into companies and what to expect in the field.”

Beyond the classroom, TSTC students in the Architectural Design and Engineering Graphic program are working closely with the Harlingen Aerotropolis project drawing, rendering and completing 3D images of the testing facilities and buildings that will one day make up the aerotropolis.

“These students have not disappointed. Every task we give them, they complete successfully,” said Esterly. “We’ll be able to use their 3D models to market to the companies we want to attract to Harlingen Aerotropolis. We’re excited about our future and our close relationship with TSTC.”

The students working on the aerotropolis project will be traveling to NASA to tour actual testing facilities to help with their designs for the Harlingen Aerotropolis.

“Our faculty and staff are the heartbeat of TSTC,” said TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia. “Our students are prepared for the workforce because of projects like this and when they graduate they get high-paying jobs.”

For more information on any of the technology programs listed, please visit tstc.edu. Registration for Summer 2016 and Fall 2016 is now in progress.

(FORT BEND) – Megan Morgan did not always believe that college was in her future, at least not in a field that she found interesting. It was not until she enrolled at Texas State Technical College in 2014, that she could imagine graduating into a career she loved.

The Katy native, currently enrolled at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus, is the only woman in the program and is expected to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Precision Machining Technology in December 2016.

Morgan grew up around a male-dominated field. Numerous members of her family, including her sister are truck drivers. Her family even owns a wrecker service company in Wharton.

“I’ve always worked in the family business doing clerical and receptionist work,” said Morgan.
“But I knew I didn’t want a desk job as a career. I love working with my hands. Since I was little my dad would let me help him repair the trucks.”

After graduating from Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Morgan said she had no interest in college. She wanted to work and make money, but soon realized that without a college education her prospects were slim.

Her long-time boyfriend suggested they relocate to Austin where he wanted to pursue a degree in welding. With support from her family, Morgan made the move.

“We were originally going to enroll at a community college in Austin, but everyone kept giving us the run around with paper work,” said Morgan. “We were making no progress, until we were introduced to TSTC.”

Coming from a large, tight-knit family, Morgan began to get homesick only after a year in Austin. She and her boyfriend made the mutual agreement of moving closer to their families.

Fortunately, for Morgan, TSTC’s Fort Bend campus had just the program she was looking for: Precision Machining Technology.

“I spoke with the program’s instructor Michael Barnes and he helped me get everything set up,” said Morgan. “And of course our office manager Judy Cox was my lifeline. She helped me with the transition from one campus to another. It immediately felt like I was going to school with my family.”

Morgan now has only three semesters left before becoming a college graduate and being in the first class to graduate from the new campus in Fort Bend County opening in August 2016.

“I’m so excited. The new campus is going to be bigger and I’m glad I get to be part of the process of moving,” said Morgan. “I pass by the new building every day and if I’m with someone I have to be sure to show them my new school. By being the first class there, we’ll get to put our stamp on things.”

After graduating, Morgan says she will take a break from school to allow her boyfriend to enroll at TSTC while she takes over working full-time. TSTC will open a welding program at the new Fort Bend location in August and he is excited to attend.

“My family has always pushed me to do more with my life and I can’t wait to see where things will go after I graduate,” said Morgan. “Had I not found this program, I wouldn’t be as excited about my future. I have gained so much experience here at TSTC, I couldn’t have found that anywhere else.”

Precision Machining Technology is also offered at the North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses.

Welding Technology will be offered at TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus starting August 2016, and is currently offered at most of the other nine campuses throughout Texas.

TSTC in Fort Bend County currently offers HVAC Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology and Precision Machining Technology. The new campus will also offer Industrial Maintenance Technology, Cyber Security, Telecommunications Convergence Technology and Welding Technology. Apply anytime at tstc.edu, registration for summer and fall semesters begins April 4.

For more information on these courses at Fort Bend County call 281-239-1548.