(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently hosted more than 100 students from eight high schools located in Cameron County for the first “College Connection Experience.”

These students are part of the Region One Gear Up program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The partnership between 30 Rio Grande Valley high schools aims to increase the number of students who graduate from high school and enroll in post-secondary institutions.

The students who visited TSTC are in their senior year and have been followed by the Gear Up program since seventh grade. After completing the annual ACT Engage Survey, these students showed no interest in attending college after high school.

“The results we received told us that these students could benefit from additional opportunities to explore colleges and career opportunities,” said Region One Education Specialist Angela Delamar. “And from what I’ve been told by my colleagues, TSTC has worked their magic once again.”

Delamar said she had an overwhelming number of students who were reluctant to attend college, but left the event ready to apply and attend TSTC.

“Our students said they felt supported by the staff at TSTC,” said Delamar. “Many explained they see their next step and are ready to start TSTC, a place where they feel they finally fit in.”

During the “College Experience Connection,” the group of high school seniors had the opportunity to hear from TSTC’s Provost Dr. Stella Garcia, participate in ice breakers and take a tour of the campus.

Additionally, students attended sessions on the benefits of attending college and TSTC admissions and financial aid processes. They also heard from TSTC student ambassadors about overcoming barriers.

TSTC’s Director of Student Recruitment Dora Colvin, like Delamar, is excited to see that this event had a successful outcome.

“This event was a true success,” said Colvin. “They enjoyed meeting staff and students and learning what TSTC offers. I was so impressed with these students and their questions. They were so engaged.”

Colvin said many of the students in attendance had already applied to TSTC, but those that had not were inspired and applied that day.

“This day made a positive impact on their lives,” said Colvin.

In April, the same group of students will return to TSTC for career exploration, where they will have the opportunity of participating in in-depth tours of the programs they listed on their college applications as careers they are interested in pursuing.

Finally, in June, these students will return for New Student Orientation.

“TSTC is working hard to try to address every concern and question these students have about pursuing a higher education,” said Delamar. “Their goal is to remove any barrier or obstacle keeping them from attending college, and this event was a turn in the right direction. I’m excited it was such a huge success.”

To apply to TSTC visit tstc.edu. New student registration for Summer and Fall 2017 begins April 3. For more information call 956-364-4119.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College’s Continuing Education recently earned an electrical certification through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), giving the college the opportunity to create its first NCCER Electrical Level 1 course.

NCCER Electrical Level 1 is now added to NCCER Construction and NCCER Welding already offered through the department.

The 224-hour electrical course consists of NCCER Core, NCCER Electrical, and safety and forklift components. Those who enroll in the course can expect to learn the foundation of safety, communication skills and construction drawings to the theory of residential electrical circuits.

“Many of the employers out there require their employees to obtain additional NCCER certifications or continuing education hours,” said Myra Deleon, TSTC Continuing Education project manager. “So for many being able to earn these certifications locally is a convenience.”

In addition to the basic electrical wiring training, students will also become forklift-certified and will become familiar with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

According to Deleon, this NCCER certification can help graduates qualify for electrical jobs anywhere throughout the United States. The additional forklift and OSHA trainings also make students more marketable.

“This course has a big impact for anyone pursuing electrical occupations,” said Deleon. “It can give someone a step up and make them competitive when pursuing a job, or maybe help someone get a promotion.”

The NCCER Electrical Level 1 course is held in the evening and open to anyone in or pursuing a career in the industry.

“Most of our continuing education students hold full-time jobs or take classes at the college full-time,” said Deleon. “So evening courses open up our classes to more people.”

Enrollment for the June 2017 cohort opens in March. Registration is open up to the first day of class on June 5. There are no eligibility requirements to enroll.

Deleon said class tuition and books are generally sponsored by an employer, Motivation Education and Training, Inc., or through a Workforce Solutions grant.

For more information on the NCCER course and tuition sponsors call TSTC Continuing Education at 956-364-4567.

(HARLINGEN) – Born in Mexicali, Edgardo Velez moved to Harlingen in 2005 and today is a Biology student at Texas State Technical College. He expects to earn his associate degree in Spring 2018. The 18-year-old proudly holds a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

In his free time, Velez enjoys drawing. He said he has always had a love for art and he hopes to teach art classes as a hobby someday.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate with my associate degree in Biology, I plan on applying to TSTC’s Surgical Technology program. I want the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

What’s your dream job?

I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field and when I saw the programs at TSTC I knew it was the place that would help me reach my dream of working as a Surgical Technician at a local hospital. Hopefully I can find a job at Valley Baptist Medical Center.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

So far, I consider my GPA to be my greatest accomplishment. I have worked hard to maintain all As in my classes.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

The greatest lesson I have learned about life is that there is a balance between good and bad times. I believe that going through a tough time in life is a sure sign that good times are on their way.

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

Dr. Emmanuel Formacio is the person at TSTC who has influenced my success the most. He was my Anatomy and Physiology instructor and he always encouraged me, and the class to do our best. He also gave me advice that has motivated me to work toward successful semesters and a successful career.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

My advice for future TSTC students is to go for any academic goal or challenge within their reach. Great things happen when you give it your best shot.

(HARLINGEN) – With a knack for adventure and a love for education, Texas State Technical College student Robert Craig McWhinney enrolled in Wind Energy Technology and Engineering to pursue a new career.

The Pittsburg, Pennsylvania native said he and his brother were avid rock climbers, seeking adventure throughout their home state. It is this hobby that McWhinney parlayed into Wind Energy Technology, an industry that requires employees to climb up four-story turbines.

“I’m 55 years young and ready for a new degree and new career,” said McWhinney. “This is a new chapter in my life and I’m excited for it.”

McWhinney earned his bachelor’s degree in 1987 and shortly after his master’s degree, both in English Literature.

“I only worked for a short time teaching basic composition as a graduate assistant,” he said. “Music was my primary passion and I’m still doing that today.”

His band, “Pelican West,” has been together for 30 years, performing throughout the states and calling South Padre Island its new stage.

In addition to his music, McWhinney has been the Ministry Coordinator at Christ’s Harbour Church in Laguna Vista for the past six years. So why the drastic career change?

“It started with a brochure on wind energy and I thought I want to climb those,” said McWhinney. “But as I did research I found that wind energy is a growing industry and technicians are in demand. So I started researching programs and it led me directly to TSTC.”

McWhinney said although he looked at this new career with trepidation because of math, he knew he was up for the challenge and a fresh start.

“I was an English major. I avoided math,” he said. “But the instructors here at TSTC have really helped me eliminate my fear of math and become successful. I’m entering a career where students like me are in high demand, and TSTC is the place to start.”

McWhinney, who today holds a perfect 4.0 grade-point average, credits his Wind Energy Technology Instructor David Gomez, Math Instructor Mehrdad Hosseinpour and Engineering Instructor Abdulhakim Agll for his current success.

“TSTC is set up to help their students succeed,” said McWhinney. “Everyone is a canon of knowledge, helpful and supportive. I’ve been in my fair share of colleges, and none of them compare to TSTC.”

Lead Instructor for Wind Energy Technology David Gomez said the department works hard to prepare students like McWhinney for the high demand jobs in the industry.

“We place students in not only wind energy, but also in construction and utilities,” said Gomez. “The doors of opportunity are open for our students if they’re willing to work for it.”

Gomez said he knows that McWhinney will be a great asset to any company.

“He (McWhinney) is highly intelligent, knowledgeable, engaged in his studies and overall a great person to work with,” he said. “He has many aspirations in this field and he will be successful.”

McWhinney is one of 135 students enrolled in Wind Energy Technology this semester, which has increased from the 60 students enrolled in Fall 2016.

“Word of mouth and our wind turbine skyline is attracting people to our program,” said Gomez. “I get 3 to 4 prospects a week in my office interested in discussing their future in Wind Energy Technology and opportunities available in the industry.”

TSTC’s Wind Energy Technology is backed by the American Wind Energy Association, and according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Energy is the fastest growing profession in the U.S. with a starting salary around $50,000 per year.

“Students who graduate from our program have opportunities to work locally, across the state, through the U.S. and even overseas,” said Gomez.

Since the initiation of Wind Energy Technology in 2010, 200 students have graduated from the program which holds a 100 percent placement rate.

Wind Energy Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Sweetwater campus.

For more information on Wind Energy Technology call 956-364-4729.

(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College Building Construction Technology students Robert Piña and Isaac Saldaña have recently been awarded scholarships by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Rio Grande Valley Chapter.

Each student was awarded $500 to use toward tuition, books and other college expenses. This scholarship is awarded yearly by the organization to students pursuing a certificate or associate degree in Building Construction Technology.

Piña, a husband and father from San Benito, said receiving this scholarship was a sigh of relief for him and his family.

“I’m so thankful for this money. I was so fortunate to have been selected,” said Piña. “It feels like a huge burden has been taken off my shoulders.”

The 41-year-old worked numerous years in the customer service industry, mainly restaurants, and changing careers for hopes of a more stable job and better benefits has taken a toll on his family’s finances.

“I’m a full-time student, trying to finish,” said Piña. “Working full-time for me is out of the equation, but I still have to support my family, so any kind of scholarship is a great big help.”

Piña is currently employed through TSTC as a part-time work study in Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, the program he earned his first associate degree from in 2016.

The San Benito native said he hopes having two associate degrees will make him more marketable when searching for a job. He hopes to work as a handyman in maintenance for either a hospital, hotel or even TSTC.

As for Piña’s classmate, Saldaña, also from San Benito, enrolled at TSTC following in his children’s footsteps.

“All of my children have attended and graduated from TSTC,” said Saldaña. “I am here because of their college advisors’ perseverance to get me enrolled.”

The scholarship recipient said he moved to Texas after losing his job of 19 years in a California fencing company.

“I had nothing but a high school diploma when I lost my job,” said Saldaña. “It was a real eye opener for me on how important an education is, and scholarships, like the one I just received, make working toward my degree a whole lot easier.”

Although the 48-year-old has had to work the graveyard shift at a McAllen security company throughout his time at TSTC, he said he is sharing his story to show his children and future college students that it’s never too late to get an education and pursue your dreams.

“Education is something that can never be taken away from you,” said Saldaña. “And AGC has made it possible for me to continue on and graduate this semester.”

AGC of the Rio Grande Valley Executive Director Perry A. Vaughn spoke to the Building Construction Technology students during the scholarship presentation about the latest industry survey which says the construction business has never been better.

“The building industry is in dire need of educated, trained and qualified employees,” he said. “We anticipate a pretty big bump in the year ahead nationwide, but Texas and the Valley are doing great. The market has never looked better.”

Vaughn went on to explain that hiring is so competitive that companies are increasing salaries and offering overtime, bonuses and benefits to lure employees.

“We have firms that are turning down work because they can’t find qualified employees,” Vaughn said.

TSTC Building Construction Technology instructor Rolando Cuellar said learning what they have about the recent survey, and talking with their industry partners, scholarships like the ones received by Piña and Saldaña, make it easier to retain the students who are the future of the construction business.

“Many of these students pay for college out of pocket, putting a financial strain on them and their families,” said Cuellar. “But for students like Robert and Isaac, this scholarship is a huge financial relief, allowing them to concentrate on the training we provide and successfully fulfilling the requirements needed to earn a certificate or associate degree, and fill the industry need.”

Building Construction Technology is also offered at TSTC’s Waco campus.

For more information on the program call 956-364-4770.

(HARLINGEN) – La Feria native Amber Dutton is pursuing her General Academic Core at Texas State Technical College and expected to complete the program by 2018.

What are your plans after graduation?

After completing my basics at TSTC, I hope to transfer to Del Mar College in Corpus Christi to pursue a bachelor’s degree and career in Radiologic Technology. With this degree I will be able to work toward becoming certified to perform ultrasounds, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CAT Scans.

What’s your dream job?

I have always been fascinated with X-rays, so just being able to work in the field is a dream come true.

What has been your greatest accomplishment while at TSTC?

I would have to say my accomplishment has been passing all of my classes. I’m so proud to have been able to achieve this.

What greatest lesson have you learned about yourself or life?

I have learned that I am capable of doing more things than I thought. I’ve learned to juggle work and school, while keeping up my grades. I can say I have taught myself time management.

Who at TSTC has influenced your success the most?

My TSTC 1101 Instructors Richard Kirk and Anneliese White, had a huge impact on my academic success. They constantly worked with us on improving our homework assignments before they were due, and they were always available to answer questions or discuss concerns. They were always there for us.

What is your advice for future TSTC students?

I want to tell future TSTC students to make sure they stay on task and always look at the big picture. Never give up, because everything you go through is worth it at the end.

(HARLINGEN) – Have some pink champagne left over from your New Year’s celebrations? If so, here is a simple, yet delicious recipe from the students at Texas State Technical College Culinary Arts that you can enjoy with family and friends.

Cake

Butter and flour for preparing the pans

3 cups cake flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

5 large egg whites, at room temperature

1 cup pink Champagne, at room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Tiny amount of pink food coloring

Pink Champagne Buttercream Frosting

1 ¾ cups (3 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

8 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

4 to 5 tablespoons pink Champagne

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tiny amount of pink food coloring

White chocolate shavings, sliced strawberries, coconut, or edible rose petals for garnish

1. For the cake, place a rack in the center of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch layer pans. Shake out the excess flour, and set the pans aside.

2. Place the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium-size bowl, and sift to combine well. Set aside.

3. Place the egg whites, Champagne, vanilla, and oil in a large mixing bowl, and whisk by hand until well blended. Set aside.

4. Place the sugar and butter in a large bowl, and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and light, 3 to 4 minutes.

5. Add the flour mixture and the egg white mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the pink coloring.

6. Divide the batter between the prepared pans, and place the pans in the oven.

7. Bake until the cakes just pull back from the sides of the pans, 23 to 27 minutes.

8. Remove the pans from the oven, and place them on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of each pan, give each cake a gentle shake and invert it once, then again onto the rack to cool completely, right side up, 30 minutes.

9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Place the butter in a large mixing bowl, and beat on medium speed until creamy and smooth, 1 minute. Add 6 cups of the confectioners’ sugar and the Champagne and vanilla. Blend on medium speed until smooth. Add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, adding what you need to make the frosting thick but spreadable. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high, add the pink coloring, and beat until the frosting is fluffy, 30 seconds.

10. To assemble the cake, place 1 layer on a cake plate. Spread about 3⁄4 cup of the frosting to the edges. Place a second layer on top and repeat. Place the third layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish as desired, depending on the occasion. Slice and serve.

(HARLINGEN) – Student Support Services at Texas State Technical College will host its Third Annual Empowerment Conference on January 26 to increase awareness about Chicanos and the lowrider movement.

“The purpose of the conference is to provide a cultural awareness to the unfamiliar,” said Patty Flores, TSTC Student Support Services coordinator.

Past conferences have focused on Human Trafficking, and Gangs Next Door, aimed to educate a law enforcement, caseworker and advocate audience. This year’s conference is open to the general public.

The idea for this conference stemmed from a session held last year at TSTC’s Humanities Symposium during which the Chicano history and the culture surrounding it was highlighted.

According to Flores, response from students was impressive, so her department decided to take it to the next level.

“People belonging to the lowrider communities are always facing stereotyping which has negatively affected this subculture said Flores. “This population in the RGV is large, making it time to show the positive impacts they have on the community.”

There are a number of lowrider car clubs across the Rio Grande Valley, resulting in the RGV Lowrider Council. In addition to cruising the cities and participating in car shows, many of the clubs are also fundraising for their communities.

Flores said many lowrider car club members join forces to hold benefits, fundraisers and toy drives for the less fortunate, in addition to assisting local military veterans.

“It is these positive contributions we want people to become aware of during our conference,” said Flores. “This is a multi-generational lifestyle and the majority aren’t troublemakers, like many may think.”

To help dissolve negative stereotypes, there will be several keynote speakers who will discuss the past, present and future of the lowrider community. Representatives from the RGV Lowrider Council; Boss Entertainment; Vatos, Rucas and Ranflas; and car clubs will lead discussions.

Adan Hernandez, whose art was used for the 1993 movie “Blood In and Blood Out,” will also speak. A banner replica of Hernandez’s famous “Carnalismo Portrait” and his art work will be on display during the event.

“Not only do we want to send out a positive image, but we also want students and our community to be exposed to different cultures and lifestyles,” said Flores. “This will be an educational experience for everyone.”

TSTC students, faculty, staff and the surrounding communities are invited to attend this conference. It runs from noon to 5 p.m., and will conclude with a Show and Shine Car Show from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There is no fee to attend the conference or car show.

To register, TSTC Support Services has set up an Eventbrite page at http://bit.ly/2gdp9bb.

For more information call TSTC Support Services at 956-364-4525.