(HARLINGEN) – Created by popular demand, Texas State Technical College’s Student Life has launched an Advanced Leadership Academy, an extension of TSTC’s long-running Student Leadership Academy.

“Students were graduating from the Student Leadership Academy quickly and asking me what’s next,” said Student Life Coordinator Belinda Palomino. “We needed another program so we got working on it.”

The Student Leadership Academy was created to instill in students relevant skills and knowledge essential to the achievement of excellence in leadership and founded on the values of integrity, service, communication and innovation.

Recent Student Leadership Academy graduate, a requirement to be part of the advanced academy, and Welding Technology student Daniel Reyes is now a member of the new advanced academy and said he is looking forward to completing the program.

Alexandra Lugo (right) with other TSTC student leaders.

“We’ve all helped each other become better leaders and people in the academy,” said Reyes. “It has helped me build confidence in my leadership skills and take charge during class projects and community services events. I can’t wait to see what the advanced academy has in store.”

To become a graduate of the Student Leadership Academy, a perquisite to the Advanced Leadership Academy, students must attend the annual Student Leadership Conference, at least six leadership workshops such as Characteristics of an Effective Leader, Servant Leadership and Integrity and Ethics and four additional workshops offered throughout the year.

“Daniel runs the show now. He’s an active member in several student clubs and is always there when we need his help,” said Palomino. “It’s great seeing him and other students like him grow as leaders.

To complete the Advanced Leadership Academy,  students like Reyes and Business Management Technology and Mathematics student Alexandra Lugo,the must complete a community service project as a group, attend an academy orientation and two check-in meetings. There are currently seven students enrolled in the new program.

“We’re pretty ambitious and hope to complete a large-scale project that will impact and benefit the community,” said Lugo. “Our goal is to make a difference.”

Lugo added that before completing the Student Leadership Academy she struggled with being outgoing and although it was not always easy putting herself out there, becoming active around campus has been the best decision she has ever made.

“When I graduate I want to go into management and everything I am learning during my time in the academy will also help me after college and in my career,” said Lugo.

Palomino said she is so proud of all of her students who participate in the both academies.

“Being a part of either academy is not a requirement as a student at TSTC, which means these student do it because they want to,” said Palomino. “They find it in their hearts to better themselves and make a difference. We have some great students.”

For more information on the Student Leadership Academy or the Advanced Leadership Academy call 956-364-4370.

For information on programs offered at TSTC, visit tstc.edu.