(HARLINGEN) – Texas State Technical College recently held its annual Tech Day, hosting more than 1,000 high school students from Zapata to Brownsville.

“This is an excellent opportunity to expose these students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers,” said TSTC Director for Recruitment Dora Colvin. “This is the one day that students get to explore college and the school districts count on it.”

Students at Tech Day got a first-hand look at the nearly 40 programs at TSTC and the type of technical certificates and degrees they can pursue, while learning about the possible career opportunities available to them as college graduates. They also had the opportunity to tour TSTC classrooms and labs and get a look into college life.

TSTC faculty and staff likewise were on hand to discuss and answer questions about programs and admission and financial aid processes, while TSTC students had the opportunity to speak one-on-one and share their college experiences with high school students on the tours.

Colvin said many of the students attending Tech Day have already submitted applications to attend TSTC.

“A lot of these students have already shown an interest in pursuing a program here at the college. We’re hosting our future students,” said Colvin. “This is a great way for us to showcase what we offer and help many of them (students) make an educated decision on where they want to continue their higher education.”

Harlingen High School South senior Kent Largo said he is excited and impressed about everything he saw during his tour. He hopes to attend TSTC in the fall to pursue an associate degree in Dental Hygiene.

“I already know what I want to do but seeing everything that TSTC offers was an eye opener,” he said. “I can’t wait to attend TSTC.”

To end the day, students were treated to lunch, door prizes and a scholarship raffle for two $250 scholarships to help students with tuition, books or other college expenses.

Evelyn Reyna a senior from La Grulla High School and Mariela Guerrero also a senior from Edinburg North High School were the scholarship recipients and said this money came at the right time.

“I’m speechless and excited. I can’t wait to tell my family,” said Guerrero. “This helps out financially, and takes a bit of stress off of my shoulders. Thank you so much TSTC for this help.”

Guerrero said she hopes to attend TSTC in the fall and although undecided on what career path she wants to pursue, she now knows she has many options to choose from at the college.

Reyna is also interested in attending TSTC in the fall to pursue education.

“I’m in shock, I never expected to win. There’s so many students here,” she said. “This is going to help get what I need for college and I want to thank TSTC for giving me this opportunity.”

Colvin said every year Tech Day is a success and she cannot believe how much it has grown as evidenced by the fact that two lunch sessions were needed this year to accommodate the number of students in attendance.

“Every year we grow and get bigger offering more and more high school students the opportunity to tour our campus and allowing us to showcase everything we have to offer,” she said.

For more information on Tech Day, or to apply to TSTC call 956-364-4119 or visit tstc.edu.