Rick Vasquez, Author at 51 News /news/author/rvasquez/ 51 News Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:52:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /news/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/06/cropped-TSCNews-32x32.png Rick Vasquez, Author at 51 News /news/author/rvasquez/ 32 32 51 and Greater Chamber of Harlingen Launch Small Business Leadership and Operational Growth Training Series /news/2026/04/texas-southmost-college-and-greater-chamber-of-harlingen-launch-small-business-leadership-and-operational-growth-training-series/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:52:26 +0000 /news/?p=8740 51 (TSC), in collaboration with the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, is proud to announce the launch of the Small Business Leadership and Operational Growth Training Series.

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Harlingen, TX — March 2026 — 51 (TSC), in collaboration with the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, is proud to announce the launch of the Small Business Leadership and Operational Growth Training Series, an initiative designed to support local employers in strengthening leadership capacity and improving business operations.

This series will provide small businesses across the Harlingen area with access to high-quality professional development opportunities at no costthrough funding availablethroughaSkills DevelopmentGrant, helping remove the financial barriers that often limit workforce training and organizational growth.

“This initiative is about removing barriers and opening doors,” said the Director of Industry Relations and Outreach, “Too often, small businesses are ready to grow but lack access to affordable, high-quality training. Through this partnership,we’reensuring our local employers can strengthen leadership, improve operations, and invest in their workforce—without the financial burden that typically stands in the way.”

The training series will officially kick off with an educational workshop on April 22, 2026, hosted at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce. The session will focus on helping small businesses access available funding to train their employees, while also introducing leadership and operational growth strategies that will be expanded throughout the series.

The program is open to:

  • Small business owners
  • Supervisors and managers
  • Front-line staff
  • Human resources and operations personnel
TSC WTCE

Participants engage in a leadership and professional development session as part of 51’s Small Business Leadership and Operational Growth Training Series. The series begins April 22, 2026, at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce, focusing on accessing workforce training funding and strengthening leadership and operational strategies for local businesses.

Seating is limited, and the registration deadline is April 17, 2026.Businesses are encouraged to register early to secure participation.

For more information or to register, please contact:
51
📞956-295-3778
📧ricardo.trevino@tsc.edu

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]]> TSC WTCE Participants engage in a leadership and professional development session as part of 51’s Small Business Leadership and Operational Growth Training Series. The series begins April 22, 2026, at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce, focusing on accessing workforce training funding and strengthening leadership and operational strategies for local businesses. 51 to Host Spring 2026 Skills Camp with Porter High School /news/2026/03/texas-southmost-college-to-host-spring-2026-skills-camp-with-porter-high-school/ Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:01:20 +0000 /news/?p=8716 The post 51 to Host Spring 2026 Skills Camp with Porter High School appeared first on 51 News.

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — 51’s Industrial Maintenance and Robotics Lab will welcome local high school students this spring for an immersive, hands-on learning experience aimed at building advanced technical skills and industry-recognized credentials.

The Spring 2026 Skills Camp with Porter High School will bring students into TSC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Automation (AMRA) Lab, where they will engage in practical activities and work toward earning the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Gold Certification in Pneumatics.

Juan Rivera, TSC’s Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology (IMMT) Program Coordinator, said the event is designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications.

“During the camp, students will participate in hands-on skill activities in the AMRA Lab, and we’ll be challenging our Dual Practicum class to earn the SACA Gold Certification in Pneumatics,” Rivera said.

The certification process is rigorous and requires students to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and technical proficiency. Participants must complete three individual exams at their workstations, where they identify pneumatic symbols and correctly assemble systems based on detailed diagrams.

“The objective is for students to obtain the SACA Gold Level Certification in Pneumatics,” Rivera explained. “These exams require students to apply what they’ve learned by identifying symbols and connecting diagrams according to given specifications.”

Before attempting the gold-level credential, students must first pass the silver-level certification, a foundational requirement that ensures they understand core pneumatic concepts.

Rivera, who is certified to administer the credential, earned his qualification last December through training at a SACA-authorized center. He emphasized the value of these industry certifications for students entering technical careers.

“SACA certifications validate both knowledge and hands-on skills. When students successfully complete the written exam and performance assessments, they demonstrate they are workforce-ready,” Rivera said.

In addition to student engagement, SACA also supports educators through professional development. Teachers can participate in specialized training programs lasting three to five days, enabling them to proctor certification exams and deliver preparation courses aligned with Industry 4.0 standards.

The upcoming Skills Camp reflects TSC’s continued commitment to workforce development and partnerships with local schools, providing students early exposure to high-demand technical fields such as industrial maintenance, automation, and robotics.

The event is expected to give participating students a competitive edge as they pursue careers in advanced manufacturing and related industries.

 

A promotional graphic highlights 51’s Spring 2026 AMRA Skills Camp, where students will complete hands-on lab activities and a series of exams to earn the SACA Gold Certification in Pneumatics.

AMRA Skill Camp

A promotional graphic highlights 51’s Spring 2026 AMRA Skills Camp, where students will complete hands-on lab activities and a series of exams to earn the SACA Gold Certification in Pneumatics.

Porter High School students work collaboratively on hands-on industrial training activities inside 51’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Automation (AMRA) Lab during the Spring 2026 Skills Camp, where participants gain practical experience and prepare to earn SACA certifications in pneumatics.

TSC IMMT Camp

Porter High School students work collaboratively on hands-on industrial training activities inside 51’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Automation (AMRA) Lab during the Spring 2026 Skills Camp, where participants gain practical experience and prepare to earn SACA certifications in pneumatics.

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]]> AMRA Skill Camp A promotional graphic highlights 51’s Spring 2026 AMRA Skills Camp, where students will complete hands-on lab activities and a series of exams to earn the SACA Gold Certification in Pneumatics. TSC IMMT Camp Porter High School students work collaboratively on hands-on industrial training activities inside 51’s Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Automation (AMRA) Lab during the Spring 2026 Skills Camp, where participants gain practical experience and prepare to earn SACA certifications in pneumatics. TSC makes plans to launch SPI Workforce Training Center with $1 Million of federal support /news/2026/03/tsc-makes-plans-to-launch-spi-workforce-training-center-with-1-million-of-federal-support/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:02:12 +0000 /news/?p=8695 51 (TSC) is moving forward with plans to expand its campus footprint to South Padre Island with the development of a new Workforce Training Center designed to meet the growing labor demands of Cameron County and the greater Rio Grande Valley.

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — 51 (TSC) is moving forward with plans to expand its campus footprint to South Padre Island with the development of a new Workforce Training Center designed to meet the growing labor demands of Cameron County and the greater Rio Grande Valley.

Chairwoman Adela Garza, Trustee Edward Camarillo, and TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez recently returned from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) conference in Washington, D.C., where they connected with Senator John Cornyn as well as met with Congressman Vicente Gonzalez to discuss federal priorities affecting community colleges. During the meeting, the Congressman encouraged college leadership to submit a $1 million proposal to support the transformation of a South Padre Island facility into an operational Workforce Training Center.

“The proposed site, located adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard station on South Padre Island, will be developed as the second TSC Workforce Training Center in Cameron County,” said Chairwoman Garza. “Being an active member of the ACCT and the Hispanic Caucus Committee allows us to bring a voice to the educational and training needs in our community. This is a significant step toward creating a path for additional careers in the Rio Grande Valley.”

According to TSC leadership, the expansion comes at a critical time. Rapid industry growth across Cameron County is creating workforce shortages in high-demand fields.

“In recent years, with the rapid expansion of industries in Cameron County, there has been a need for more workforce training,” said President Rodriguez. “Right now, jobs such as pipefitting, welding and a variety of jobs in the healthcare industry are in great demand, and we are in a good position to bring in students, train them quickly, and help them with a job upon completion of their training”.

The Association of Community College Trustees hosts one of the most significant professional development events for community college leaders nationwide. The conference provides legislative updates, strategic sessions addressing workforce development, student success initiatives, economic mobility, and regional industry partnerships.

“If approved, the TSC South Padre Island Workforce Training Center would expand access to industry-aligned training programs while strengthening TSC’s role as a workforce engine for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Trustee Camarillo.

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez posing for a photo with TSC President Dr. Jesus Rodriguez, TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela Garza and TSC Board Trustee Edward Camarillo in Washington D.C.

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]]> Vicente Gonzalez with TSC leadership Congressman Vicente Gonzalez posing for a photo with TSC President Dr. Jesus Rodriguez, TSC Board of Trustees Chairwoman Adela Garza and TSC Board Trustee Edward Camarillo in Washington D.C. 51 Students Invited to Mock Interview Workshop on March 10 /news/2026/03/texas-southmost-college-students-invited-to-mock-interview-workshop-on-march-10/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:42:12 +0000 /news/?p=8632 The post 51 Students Invited to Mock Interview Workshop on March 10 appeared first on 51 News.

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51 students looking to sharpen their interview skills and boost their confidence are invited to attend the Mock Interview Practicum hosted by the TSC Career and Employment Services Department on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.

This hands-on workshop gives students the opportunity to practice real interview scenarios with industry professionals in a supportive and professional setting. Participants will answer common interview questions while receiving constructive feedback from professionals who regularly conduct hiring interviews.

The event is designed to help students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and better prepare for internships and future careers. Students will walk away with valuable insights on how to present themselves professionally and make a strong impression during real job interviews.

“This workshop gives students the chance to experience what a real interview feels like before they walk into one that could impact their future,” said Carol L. Sandoval, Coordinator of Career and Employment Services at 51. “By practicing with industry professionals and receiving constructive feedback, students can identify their strengths, improve their responses, and gain the confidence they need to succeed.”

Josue A. Silguero, Director of Career and Employment Services says the event is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to prepare students for the workforce.

“Our goal is to connect students with professionals who can provide real-world insight and guidance,” Silguero said. “The Mock Interview Workshop allows students to refine their interview skills, learn what employers expect, and leave feeling more prepared to pursue career opportunities.”

Students interested in improving their interview skills and gaining professional feedback are encouraged to attend.

 

 

 

For more information, students may contact Carol L. Sandoval, Coordinator of Career and Employment, at Carol.Sandoval@tsc.edu or (956) 295 – 3414.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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]]> Breaking barriers: COCJ celebrates first graduate of TSC Pathway /news/2026/02/shsu-texas-southmost-college/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:09:54 +0000 /news/?p=8515 The post Breaking barriers: COCJ celebrates first graduate of TSC Pathway appeared first on 51 News.

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By Arina Garcia
Sam Houston State University

On Dec.12, Alyssa Barrientos was the first student to receive a from the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU-COCJ) through the .

The first-generation Brownsville, Texas, native chose SHSU for its commitment to student success, accessibility and community.

“It’s a place where students are supported and encouraged to grow,” Barrientos said. “When I became aware that TSC partnered with SHSU, I was immediately very interested and excited about the partnership that would allow me to obtain my degree through a school I had always dreamed of attending.”

In 2024, SHSU expanded its criminal justice program to Brownsville, offering in-person courses taught by SHSU instructors in a satellite classroom at TSC’s Tandy Hall. The collaboration led to a new educational model designed to eliminate geographic barriers that hinder student success.

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]]> Governor Abbott updates Texas’ prohibited technologies list /news/2026/02/governor-abbott-updates-texas-prohibited-technologies-list/ Thu, 05 Feb 2026 21:00:36 +0000 /news/?p=8525 The post Governor Abbott updates Texas’ prohibited technologies list appeared first on 51 News.

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Governor Greg Abbott today updated the state’s list of prohibited technologies for state employees and devices. The update, done in consultation with Texas Cyber Command (TXCC) Chief,Vice AdmiralTJ White (USN, Ret.), includes additional restrictions on physical hardware, artificial intelligence (AI), and software affiliated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“Rogue actors across the globe who wish harm on Texans should not be allowed to infiltrate our state’s network and devices,” said Governor Abbott. “Hostile adversaries harvest user data through AI and other applications and hardware to exploit, manipulate, and violate users and put them at extreme risk. Today, I am expanding the prohibited technologies list to mitigate that risk and protect the privacy of Texans from the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, and any other hostile foreign actors who may attempt to undermine the safety and security of Texas.”

In a to Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman Martin, Texas Department of Information Resources Interim Director Tony Sauerhoff, and Chief White,Governor Abbott named TXCC the lead agency in identifying any additional technology that poses a threat to the State’s sensitive information.

“The Governor and the Legislature gave a clear mission for the Texas Cyber Command – protect Texans from hostile foreign nations and cyber threat actors,” said Chief White. “As TXCC works to stand up its full arsenal of operational assets, we are pleased to lead this effort to prevent cyber attacks that have the potential to exfiltrate sensitive information to bad actors across the globe.”

In June, Governor Abbott the TXCC, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America, to combat cyber threatsand holistically enhance the state’s cybersecurity posture, coordination, and strategy.

 

 

Prohibited Software/Applications/Developers  
Last Updated February 4, 2026

  • Alibaba
  • Alipay
  • Baichuan/BeijingBaichuanIntelligent Technology Co. Ltd.
  • Baidu
  • Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence
  • ByteDance Ltd.
  • CamScanner
  • CloudWalkTechnology
  • DeepSeek
  • iFlytek
  • Kaspersky
  • Lemon8
  • Megvii/MegviiTechnology Limited
  • MiniMax
  • Moomoo
  • Moonshot AI
  • QQ Wallet
  • RedNote
  • SenseTime/SenseTimeGroup
  • SHAREit
  • Shein
  • StepFun
  • PDD Holdings (includingTemuandPinduoduo)
  • Tencent Holdings Ltd.
  • Tiger Brokers
  • TikTok
  • Uniview/ZhejiangUniviewTechnologies Co.Ltd.
  • VMate
  • WeBull
  • WeChat
  • WeChat Pay
  • WPS Office
  • Xiaomi
  • YituTechnology
  • Zhipu/Z.ai
  • Any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity listed above. 

Prohibited Hardware/Equipment/Manufacturers 
Last Updated February 4, 2026

  • AutelRobotics
  • CATL/Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.Ltd.
  • Dahua Technology Company
  • Gotion/GouxuanHi-Tech Co. Ltd.
  • Hisense Group Co. Ltd.
  • Huawei Technologies Company
  • Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company
  • Hytera Communications Corporation
  • NucTech/TongfangNucTechTechnology Ltd.
  • RoboSenseTechnology Co. Ltd.
  • SZ DJI Technology Company
  • TCL Technology Group Corp.
  • TP-Link
  • Uniview/ZhejiangUniviewTechnologies Co.Ltd.
  • WuhanGeosunNavigation Technology Co. Ltd.
  • Xiaomi
  • ZTE Corporation
  • Any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity listed above. 

Covered Applications
Last Updated January 31, 2025

  • Lemon8
  • RedNote
  • TikTok or any successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or an entity owned by ByteDance Ltd.

Restrictions only apply to state-owned-devices,computersand networks

  • These restrictions applyonly to state-owned devices, computers, and networks.
  • Faculty and staff should not install, access, or use these technologies on TSC-issued equipment.
  • If any of these tools are currently being used for instructional, operational, or research purposes on state systems, pleasediscontinueuse and consult with IT for guidance on approved alternatives.

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]]> TSC Historic Run & Half Marathon /news/2026/01/tsc-historic-run-half-marathon/ Sat, 31 Jan 2026 20:41:57 +0000 /news/?p=8507 Join 51 for a race celebrating 100 years of progress, perseverance, and pride. The Historic Half Marathon and 5k invite runners of all ages and levels to hit […]

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]]> Join 51 for a race celebrating 100 years of progress, perseverance, and pride. The Historic Half Marathon and 5k invite runners of all ages and levels to hit the pavement and honor TSC’s rich legacy, mile by mile. Let’s strengthen the spirit of unity and keep our community moving forward.

 

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026
📍 South Lawn, 51
2001 Gorgas Dr.
Brownsville, TX 78520

 

🕒 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM

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]]> Happy Holiday from 51 /news/2025/12/happy-holiday-from-texas-southmost-college/ Sun, 21 Dec 2025 17:26:24 +0000 /news/?p=8368 From all of us at 51, may your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and time with those you cherish most.

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As the holiday season approaches, the 51 Board of Trustees and President extend their warmest wishes to our students, employees, alumni, and community. This special message reflects our shared gratitude, pride, and hope as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to new opportunities. From all of us at 51, may your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and time with those you cherish most.

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]]> Scorpion’s Quill: A New Chapter in Creativity at 51 /news/2025/10/scorpions-quill-a-new-chapter-in-creativity-at-texas-southmost-college/ Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:02:49 +0000 /news/?p=7693 The post Scorpion’s Quill: A New Chapter in Creativity at 51 appeared first on 51 News.

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The Department of Communication and Language at 51 officially launched Scorpion’s Quill, the college’s new literary and arts magazine, in Fall 2024. The project was made possible thanks to funding that became available after the conclusion of the department’s long-running Binational Conference program.

The goal for 2024 was clear: to publish an inaugural edition of a journal that celebrates the creative voices of the entire TSC community—students, dual enrollment students, faculty, and staff alike. Modeled after renowned college literary magazines across the nation, Scorpion’s Quill showcases a wide spectrum of creative expression, including poetry, short fiction, memoir, script writing, digital and traditional art, graphic design, sculpture, and photography.

Scorpion’s Quill, Issue 1 is available both as a free online flipbook and as a printed, bound edition.
Read the digital version here:

Call for Submissions: Issue 2 Now Open!

The creative journey continues! The call for submissions for Issue 2 of Scorpion’s Quill is now open through November 15.

If you’re a student, faculty, or staff member at 51 with a passion for storytelling, poetry, art, or photography—this is your chance to be published.

Submit your work and review the submission guidelines here:
👉

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]]> TSC Scorpion’s Quill v1 Get Your Financial Aid & Scholarships Ready at TSC! /news/2025/10/get-your-financial-aid-scholarships-ready-at-tsc/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 21:20:12 +0000 /news/?p=7569 The post Get Your Financial Aid & Scholarships Ready at TSC! appeared first on 51 News.

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It’s that time of year 🎉📅✨ — and 51 is here to help YOU secure your financial aid and scholarships for the full year! Whether you’re applying for FAFSA or scholarships, we want to make sure you get the support you need to set yourself up for success. 🚀🎓

Why Attend?

Completing financial aid and scholarship applications can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! At TSC’s FAFSA and Scholarship Application Drive, our expert staff will guide you step-by-step through the entire process. 📝✅ From filling out the FAFSA to submitting scholarship applications, you’ll leave with everything DONE and ready to go.

This is your chance to:

  • Get one-on-one help from knowledgeable staff 👩‍💼👨‍💼
  • Ensure your applications are accurate and on time ⏳
  • Take the stress out of the financial aid process 🎯

📍 Dates & Locations

We’re hosting three convenient eventsacross campus to make sure every student has the opportunity to attend:

  • Oct 7 | 8 AM – 6 PM | ITEC Center F8C
  • Oct 8 | 8 AM – 6 PM | Oliveira Student Services Center
  • Oct 9 | 8 AM – 6 PM | South Hall 117

Don’t Miss Out!

We want every TSC work-study student to walk away with confidence knowing their FAFSA and scholarship applications are completed ✅. This is a critical step in funding your education — and your future. 🌟

So grab your documents, bring your questions, and join us at one of these events. Together, we’ll make sure you’re on track to secure the financial support you deserve. 🙌🔥

👉 Encourage your friends and classmates to attend too — let’s get those applications in and set up for success! 💪🎉

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