Category Archives: All TSTC

Veteran to Graduate from TSTC with New Career

chris-sheehan(RED OAK) – When hundreds of thousands lost their oil field jobs in 2015, Texas State Technical College Logistics student Chris Sheehan was no different. The army veteran had worked off the coast in the oil industry for 12 years and found himself looking for employment.

“I went and talked to a counselor, and they mentioned this great school — TSTC in North Texas — and asked if I wanted to go have a look, maybe start a new career,” Sheehan said. “So that’s exactly what I did. I went to talk to the instructors and I really liked the school. I could see opportunity in the field.”

Sheehan was chosen to complete an internship with Walmart, working at their distribution center in Bentonville, Arkansas.

“It’s because of TSTC that I was selected to attend the internship with Walmart,” he said. “It was highly competitive. I was competing against students from Baylor, TCU and UT. They only select a handful of people to attend — one person per distribution center. ”

The experience gave Sheehan a look into the world of logistics.

“You don’t have squadrons of interns walking around serving coffee; you actually get to know the job,” Sheehan said. “They give you the opportunity to see what you can produce. Typically 90 percent of the people that intern are offered a job. Because you’ve already been selected to attend the internship, they already know they want you to work for them. They just wanted to see if you fit with the organization, their values and everything else.”

After completing his internship, Sheehan was offered a position as area manager. He began working at the Walmart distribution center in Terrell, Texas, in September.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” Sheehan said. “It’s a challenge. It’s a great stepping stone into the field of logistics. You’ll learn a lot from this company. I like the potential.”

Sheehan credits his instructors with helping him get to where he is.

“I liked the fact that the instructors are willing to work with you,” he said. “I could not have done this without them. Being able to work full time and go to school full time, there’s no way. TSTC was more than willing to help me because they realized that this was a really good opportunity.”

Friday, Sheehan will join 17 other TSTC in North Texas students in receiving their diplomas at the commencement ceremony in Waco. The ceremony, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will be held at the Waco Convention Center in downtown Waco.

According to O*NET OnLine, Texas expects a 16 percent increase in jobs for logisticians over the next eight years. TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Logistics exclusively at the North Texas campus.

TSTC offers specialized, hands-on instructional courses leading to Associate of Applied Science degrees and Certificates of Completion in areas such as computer-aided drafting and design, cyber security, diesel equipment technology, HVAC technology, welding and more.

Across Texas, TSTC has more than 900 candidates for graduation this semester and is enrolling now for spring 2017. To apply, visit tstc.edu.

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What: Texas State Technical College Fall Commencement Ceremony
When: Friday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Waco Convention Center, 100 Washington Avenue, Waco

TSTC, Longview Company Unite for Workforce Training

(MARSHALL) – Sixteen employees at Longview-based Network Communications Inc. recently started an 84-hour comprehensive networking and cyber security course for workforce development at Texas State Technical College.

The Texas Workforce Commission is providing $35,000 to cover the pay of TSTC instructors, along with books, supplies and other training costs. The one-day-a-week training began in November and ends in May.

“Some workers deal directly with networking, and the training will align with what they are doing,” said Benjamin Cantu, business relationship manager for TSTC’s Workforce Training office. “Other Network Communications workers have known networking their whole life and are understanding the back-end work of it.”

Keith Lloyd, Network Communications’ general manager, said he is happy about the convenience of having the training close by. This is the first time the company has used TSTC for workforce development.

“We are excited to use this for our people because we know a year from now it will be beneficial to everyone involved,” Lloyd said. “The fact that TSTC can do this is huge for us. We were going to have to figure out how to piecemeal it. It is an expensive proposition to train people, but it is nice to see those types of dollars available to help us grow our business.”

Network Communications has about 50 employees and is locally owned. The company provides commercial office automation, prepaid telephone cards, high-speed internet using fiber-optic networks and telephone services to Henderson, Kilgore, Longview and Marshall.

The company donated earlier this year to TSTC’s Make a Texas-Sized Difference campaign for the Texan Success Scholarship developed by The TSTC Foundation and has been part of TSTC’s Industry Career Day.

“People don’t realize what we have in our backyard with TSTC,” Lloyd said. “Training is available. The effort that is put in putting kids into the school and then in good careers is valuable.”

The training is an amendment to a TWC Skills Development Fund grant the technical college received in 2015 for more than 250 employees at The Crosby Group in Longview.

“If you love our graduates, you will love our training,” Cantu said. “It will help the bottom dollar and help with company efficiency.”

For more information on Network Communications Inc., go networkcommunications.com.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

Former Oil Field Workers to Receive Degrees From TSTC at Fall Commencement

(MARSHALL) – Joshua Anderson of Waskom and Joshua Jackson of Longview have gone from the oil fields to the classroom.

Now, the two friends will walk across the stage together to receive Associate of Applied Science degrees in Computer Networking and Systems Administration from Texas State Technical College at Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 9.

“Joshua and Joshua have both been outstanding students with respectful attitudes, exceptional critical thinking skills and dedication to follow through until a problem is solved,” said Amy L. Hertel, an information technology studies instructor at TSTC. “They have both taken on leadership roles at TSTC and have been a great example to our incoming students. I’m looking forward to watching them enter their career field and excel.”

Anderson grew up in Marshall. After graduating from Marshall High School in 1998, he went to work in the oil fields and along the way studied emergency medical technology and receive firefighter certification.

“Then I decided I didn’t like firefighting and went back to the oil fields and met Joshua,” Anderson said. “After the oil fields, I figured I would come back to school again.”

Jackson was born in Houston and grew up in Southern California. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and worked with bombs and missiles. After he left the military in 2001, he was hired for oil field work in Kilgore and moved to Longview.

Anderson and Jackson worked in Texas and offshore in Louisiana. The two were laid off from their jobs in 2015.

“Being laid off was a blessing in disguise,” Jackson said. “I really wanted to go back to school and had I not been laid off I probably would not have.”

Anderson was familiar with TSTC and visited with staff members about technical programs. He told Jackson about the college, and the two registered to start classes in May 2015.

“We worked it out with our class advisor and made sure we had the same schedule to take the same classes together and study,” Anderson said.

While Anderson had been in college before, this was the first time Jackson sat in college-level classes.

“I went to school and worked full time,” Jackson said. “Being older and coming back to school is intimidating. I didn’t know how I would fare. I wasn’t sure if I could handle it, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.”

Jackson began an internship in September at Marshall’s SEVEN Networks, where he helps manage Linux and Microsoft Windows servers and handles cables.

“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “The internship teaches me something new every day. It gives me some real-world experience.”

Anderson and Jackson were TSTC student ambassadors who gave tours and told visitors about the mission and technical programs.

Anderson and Jackson will continue their educations working on associate degrees in Cyber Security at TSTC during the spring semester.

“Everything they teach at TSTC is for local jobs,” Anderson said. “It’s to help build the community.”

More than 60 graduates will receive certificates and associate degrees at TSTC’s Fall Commencement at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, at Wiley College’s Julius S. Scott Sr. Chapel at 711 Wiley Ave. in Marshall.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

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Student Success Profile – John Ramos

(HARLINGEN) – John Ramos is revving the engine on his education and is currently on the path to earning his associate degree in Automotive Technology this spring.  The 22-year-old San Benito native fell in love with automobiles at a very young age, and has his sights set on working with Ford Motor Company.

What are your plans after graduation?

 I want to be an automotive technician and eventually specialize in diesel engines.  I love working on maintaining vehicles, and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty.

What’s your dream job?

 I would love to work for Ford.  I went to a car show when I was 8-years-old and was able to sit in the Shelby Mustang GT500 from the movie, “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and ever since that day, I’ve been hooked on all things Ford. I would love to own a car like that eventually.

What has been your John Ramosgreatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

 I’m a stronger person not just physically, but mentally as well.  I feel like I’ve grown into a leader while I’ve been here, and I’m very proud of that.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

 I’ve learned that I love to help other people.  I’ve become involved at TSTC, especially at the Wellness and Sports Center.  I like to train and get people closer to their weight goal. It gives them confidence and changes their lives.

Name a TSTC person who most influenced your success.

 My friend Robert Rodriguez, who I have known since middle school, has inspired me to work hard in Automotive Technology. He graduated from the program and loves his job, so it motivated me to work hard to get to that point also.  I have another friend, Lisa Garza, who has also helped keep me focused. Both of us will be graduating together next year.  Joe Garza and Efrain Villarreal, who coach at the Wellness and Sports Center, have also helped me out whenever I needed it.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

 Don’t lose hope when things get hard and don’t give up. You’re here, you’re enrolled and it’s now time to finish what you started.

TSTC’s Developmental Education Initiatives See Success

(HARLINGEN) – Developmental math initiatives and their success at Texas State Technical College were recently highlighted at the College Academic Support Programs in Texas (CASP) Conference held in October in Corpus Christi.

TSTC Office of Student Life Coordinator Orlando Peñuelas and Department Lead for Developmental Education and Instructor Michael Murphy presented sessions about the developmental math initiatives that have been created and implemented at the college to faculty, staff and administrators from two-year colleges and four-year universities from across Texas.

“It has taken campus synergy to enhance our developmental math curriculums,” said Peñuelas. “All the work we’ve done is for the benefit of the students to accelerate them through developmental courses with a better understanding, while maintaining rigor and caliber.”

Developmental math courses are intended for entering college students who are considered not to be college-math-ready due to low scores on the Texas Success Initiative Assessment. These courseDevelopmental Math Staff and Facultys must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in college algebra.

Previously, TSTC students who were required to take developmental math courses had to take a total of four semesters. Now, with the creation of math combos, students can complete developmental math in half the time.

Peñuelas and Murphy introduced these math combos at the conference: 2-Step, Math Emporium and MAMBO. The course combos include Developmental Math 50 and 100, Math 100 and 200, and Math 200 and College Algebra, respectively.

“These courses were inspired to help students move through math much faster so they can get their certificate or degree quicker,” said Murphy. “We have seen great success rates with these programs, and as we continue to offer them we will work hard to improve them for the best interest of our students.”

According to Peñuelas, the passing rate for MAMBO averaged around 85 percent for Summer 2016, up nearly 23 percent from algebra classes in Summer 2015.

Both higher education professionals credit MAMBO and 2-Step’s success to “My Math Lab,” an online component included in all developmental math courses that consists of built-in online tutoring, class electronic notes and videos to get students engaged in learning both in the classroom and online.

“Our success also comes with having our administration, faculty and staff on board with these strategies and initiatives campus wide,” said Peñuelas. “Our enrollment for MAMBO and passing rates keep increasing, and it’s because of the support we receive.”

TSTC’s developmental math initiatives received positive feedback at the conference, with many attendees calling it an innovative, inspirational and fun way to learn and be successful in math.

In Spring 2017 the developmental education department will expand to include a new combo course already being used at TSTC’s Waco campus. The combo course will include College Algebra with a non-course-based math option to tutor students who are struggling.

For more information on developmental courses at TSTC, call 956-364-4613.

Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. The last day to register is January 3, and classes begin on January 9.

To register or apply anytime, visit tstc.edu.

TSTC Evening, Weekend Courses Bring Opportunity

(HARLINGEN) – For students like Fernando Flores who work full time, college can sometimes seem out of reach. But Texas State Technical College is opening its doors for evening and Saturday classes to help students fulfill education and career goals.

Flores is already a TSTC graduate. He earned his associate degree in Mechatronics in August 2016, immediately securing a full-time job at Rich Products Corp. in Brownsville as an industrial electrical mechanic, but he knew he wanted to do more for himself, his wife and their two daughters.

Therefore, the 27-year-old enrolled in TSTC’s Architecture and Engineering associates program so he could continue his education while supporting his family.

“Having evening courses I can rely on makes pursuing my education that much easier,” said Flores. “TSTC is helping me get closer to my goal of becoming an engineer. People at work are now showing interest in evening classes, because it’s so convenient and flexible for me.”

Flores said with his associate degree in engineering he will be able to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in either mechatronics, TSTC Evening Engineering Classelectrical or mechanical engineering.

Samuel Pizano, lead instructor for the Architecture and Engineering associates program and a TSTC alumnus himself, said all evening and Saturday classes are focused on students who work full time, have families or have other commitments that make it difficult to attend school during the day.

“The majority of our students enrolled in our evening classes are industry professionals who want to further their education or finish a degree,” said Pizano. “This, in my opinion, is the best option for them.”

Pizano said classes within his program are offered on evenings and weekends, and those enrolled can earn an associate degree solely by taking classes during this time frame. The associate degree can then be used to transfer to another college or university if the student desires to pursue a higher degree.

“Even though these classes are offered at nontraditional times, it gives students the flexibility they need,” said Pizano.

Pizano speaks from experience when he says this is the best option for students working full time. Currently, he is registered in Mathematics and pursuing his second associate degree from TSTC. He is doing so by taking all evening courses, since he is a full-time instructor at the college. Pizano’s first associate degree was in Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics.

“I have experienced the convenience and flexibility of evening courses firsthand,” said Pizano. “Many students also approach me and tell me they are thankful TSTC offers this type of option.”

Other courses offered during evenings and weekends range from general academics to technologies such as Welding.

Registration for Spring 2017 is in progress. The deadline to register is January 3, and classes begin on January 9.

For more information on evening or weekend classes, call 956-364-4323 or visit tstc.edu.

TSTC’s 12th Annual Noche de Gala Honors Donors, Collects for Scholarships

(HARLINGEN) – Joel Jimenez told his story of digging trenches in the sweltering Rio Grande Valley heat and how they served as a lesson from his father during Texas State Technical College’s 12th Annual Noche de Gala scholarship fundraiser.

Jimenez talked of his struggle and his temptation to quit when things got hard. Not making enough money to pay for his dorm, purchase school supplies or anything else he needed, he felt afraid, but the Lozano Long Opportunity Scholarship turned that around and lifted a huge weight off of his shoulders.

“I thought, if this is just the beginning and it’s so hard, how will I make it past the rest? But thanks to this scholarship I was able to quit my job at a convenience store, focus on school and realign my priorities,” said Jimenez.

The Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics Technology graduate and Mathematics student remembers his parents always instilling the value of education, and on that particularly hot, humid day his father reminded him how education is the key to success.

“Education doesn’t make your job easier, but it sure beats digging holes in the sun,” he told TSTC’s scholarship donors. “It’s people like you that make life easier for students, and I hope someday I can make life better for someone else. Thank you.”

Joining Jimenez with the same heartfelt appreciation were two other Lozano Long Scholarship recipients: Montserrat Mauleon de Esquivel, an Agricultural Technology student, and Monique Cavazos, a Building Construction Technology major.

Esquivel relived the time she and her husband, while raising a 3-year-old, were forced to live on unemployment checks because of several layoffs. This, while facing other financial, family and health issues, made quitting school tempting. But because of the family she had formed at TSTC and the scholarship she received, quitting became a distant reminder of hard times.

“At TSTC we matter. We’re anTSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia & Ruthie Ewersything but expendable; we’re important,” said Esquivel. “We even mattered to Provost Adam Hutchinson. I couldn’t believe that someone in such a high position cared to offer me support.”

Hutchinson gave Esquivel a business card and told her to carry it with her and give him a call if she ever felt like quitting was her only option. He knew there would come a point when that would happen, and he wanted to be there to change her mind.

“To this day, I have the card in my wallet,” said Esquivel. “But when I use it, I won’t be telling him that I’m quitting. I’ll be letting him know that I’ve been accepted to veterinary school.”

As for Cavazos, a wife and mother of four daughters, she shared childhood memories of spending time with her grandfather in his wood shop.

“I was only allowed to use scraps and crooked nails,” Cavazos recalled. “But I would bang them straight and voila! I had a new boat to play with in the ditches. But little did I know he was helping me build something bigger: a career.”

Cavazos said college has sometimes been a difficult road, but thanks to the Lozano Long Scholarship she received she will be graduating this spring with an associate degree.

“Generous donors, TSTC staff and faculty, and any person that has ever assisted a college student fulfill their dreams, I would like to thank you,” said Cavazos. “You are the nails that help keep our paths together.”

It is donors and committed volunteers like Ruthie Ewers who help students like Jimenez, Esquivel and Cavazos realize their dreams.

Ewers, who is called the “Energizer Bunny” by Harlingen’s Mayor Chris Boswell, is this year’s Noche de Gala honoree. It is her dedication to youth, students and TSTC that has earned her this honor.

TSTC Provost Dr. Stella Garcia said Ewers has supported TSTC for years. She has been an avid supporter of TSTC’s Interview Practicum, which has held mock interviews for soon-to-be graduates since 2010. Ewers has participated every semester, and when she sees a student excel during an interview she works to place them within the community.

Ewers is also an active member of TSTC’s newest committee, the Scholarship Steering Committee.

“When I asked Ruthie for suggestions or recommendations on setting up a successful fundraising campaign, she immediately volunteered before I even finished my sentence,” said Garcia. “Ruthie is not only a strong supporter of TSTC with her time and money, but more importantly she also believes in what we do.”

Ewers said she loves the type of professionalism that TSTC is turning out and loves what she sees.

“TSTC is something good I believe in and I want to be a part of it,” said Ewers. “I’ve never considered myself a leader, yet this award is given to leaders. I’ve always just tried to help wherever I can. But tonight I feel like I’ve won an Academy Award.”

Special guests celebrating Ewers’ honor and helping students achieve their dreams were Harlingen City Commissioner Victor Leal, Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell, Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, and State Representative Eddie Lucio III. Ewers’ son Joe Ewers was also on hand to give his mother a special introduction.

The Lozano Long Promise Opportunity Scholarship was established in 1999 and has helped thousands of students across Texas realize their dreams of an education.

Noche de Gala is hosted by the TSTC Foundation. The black-tie affair consists of a cocktail hour, full-course dinner and awards program.

The annual scholarship fundraiser has raised more than $1.5 million and helped more than 400 TSTC students achieve their education dreams.

Cantrelle Scholarship Receives Financial Boost at TSTC in Marshall

(MARSHALL) – A scholarship at Texas State Technical College will continue to aid students needing financial help to study, thanks to a generous gift.

The Rev. Earl Cantrelle of Longview recently gave $5,000 to the Clay Aaron Cantrelle Scholarship. The scholarship is named for Cantrelle’s grandson, a graduate of Marshall High School and TSTC, who died in a fire on May 8, 2010 at SCC Auto Center in Marshall.

The younger Cantrelle had an associate degree in software engineering from TSTC and at the time of his death lived at the business where he was also the office manager. Clay Cantrelle was 27 years old.

“He was a great kid,” Rev. Cantrelle said. “He had good intellectual abilities and enjoyed people. He was very helpful to my wife working in the garden and different things she did. We went camping when my grandsons were young and had some good times together.”

One of the TSTC students who received the scholarship this year, Joshua Jackson of Longview, said the money has been beneficial. He will graduate at TSTC’s Fall Commencement on Dec. 9 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking and Systems Administration and return in the spring to finish an associate degree in Cyber Security.

“I got laid off from my job in 2015 and I didn’t qualify for any grants,” Jackson, 35, said. “I had to pay using all student loans. The scholarship helped me a lot because I had some money left over to pay bills and normal standard of living stuff.”

Other scholarship recipients this year were Barbara Gill of Marshall, who is studying Professional Office Technology; Gerald Jordan of Gilmer, who is studying Process Operations and Tony Ratcliff of Marshall, who is studying Electrical Lineworker Technology.

Students who have at least a 2.5 GPA and write an essay can apply for the scholarship. Students who receive the scholarship are required to write a note of gratitude to the Cantrelle family.

For more information on scholarships at TSTC, log on to tstc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.

For more information on making a gift to TSTC, go to tstc.edu/tstcfoundation/giving.

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TSTC Avionics Technology Program Powers Students Through Hands-On Learning

(WACO) – Nick Kangas is thankful for his relatives.

Kangas, 30, of Tucson, Arizona, moved to Waco because of their advice to give Texas State Technical College a look and to follow his interest in airplanes. He is now in his fourth semester of Avionics Technology, the study of aviation and electronics.

“The program is more than what I expected,” said Kangas. “The instructors are easy to get along with and I have good classmates as well. I discovered I liked soldering, connecting wires and building the radio stacks.”

The Avionics Technology program currently has 16 students. Students take five semesters to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in Avionics Technology or three semesters for a certificate in Avionics Ramp Testing.

“What I want to see in an avionics student is desire,” said Martin Segraves, the program’s lead instructor. “I want them to solve problems. I want them to be interested in airplanes, flying and electronics.”

Chris Eubanks, 32, of Burleson fits the description.

The former West Coast resident grew up interested in aviation maintenance and how planes function. He said he has surprised himself doing the program’s hands-on work because at 15 he was diagnosed with low motor skills and had challenges working with small objects. Now, he said he has worked up to doing intricate work on wiring.

“It’s a dream come true,” Eubanks said about studying avionics. “In the spring I plan to study aviation maintenance and then later pursue a bachelor’s degree in management. I want a management job in the repair sector and I also want to be a drone mechanic.”

Classes focus on aviation electronic systems, operations testing, troubleshooting and safety in laboratories designed for assembly, repair and wiring. Students also learn how aviation maintenance shops operate and about Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.

“We are exposing students to as much civil aviation as possible,” Segraves said. “Our focus is narrowed because that’s where most avionics technicians get their first jobs.”

Segraves and the program’s other instructor, Dane Kunkler, have a combined 75 years of professional experience. The instructors have to keep up with current developments in avionics, such as how Wi-fi and Bluetooth systems work with electronics.

“Avionics is a great field to consider if a student likes to work hands-on with technology,” Segraves said. “Many aspects of avionics require excellent problem-solving skills, so I often ask prospective students if they like to solve puzzles. Career opportunities are plentiful right now and nearly all our graduates find employment in the field.”

Texas has more than 1,600 avionics technology workers earning an annual mean salary of $55,070, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Hundreds of jobs are clustered in the Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio areas. The field is expected to grow slightly through 2024, according to projectionscentral.com, a clearinghouse of short-term and long-term state labor market predictions.

For more information on TSTC, go to tstc.edu.

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TSTC Will Host Spring 2017 Registration Rally

(FORT BEND) – With registration for Spring 2017 underway, Texas State Technical College in Fort Bend County will be hosting a Registration Rally Wednesday, November 30 to give new and returning students the resources they need to complete the registration process under one roof.

Registration Rallies are a new initiative at TSTC that started for the Fall 2016 semester. All 10 campuses statewide host this event with hundreds of students taking advantage of the assistance offered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.

“This is one-stop shop for our students,” said Dora Colvin, director of Recruitment. “We want to help students by providing the resources and opportunities they need to finish the application and registration proceTSTC Registration Rallysses for the next semester.”

Enrollment representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Advisement, Support Services and Testing will be on hand to guide those attending the event. Tours of the college will also be available throughout the day.

“We hope that having faculty and staff present will help make this process easier for students,” said Colvin. “They’ll have a chance to learn about the services we offer and get the help they need.”

To complete the registration process students must bring their completed admissions application, GED scores if applicable, recent high school or college transcripts, and proof of their bacterial meningitis vaccination if under 22 years of age.

“We want to encourage students to register early,” said Colvin. “The earlier a student registers, the more likely it is they get the classes they need before they fill up and a schedule they are happy with. Of course students don’t have to wait until the event, they can apply or register anytime.”

TSTC’s registration rally will be from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at the new TSTC Industrial Technology campus located at 26706 SW Freeway Rosenberg, Texas. The registration deadline is January 3. Spring 2017 classes begin January 9.

To apply or register visit tstc.edu or call the Admissions Office at 346-239-3413.