51ÁÔĆć, in collaboration with Texas A&M University Higher Education Center and the Port of Brownsville, hosted the Maritime Business & Port Careers Exploration Camp from July 7–10, 2025, an immersive, multi-day experience that introduced local high school students to career opportunities in one of the region’s most essential industries.

The camp welcomed students from La Villa, Lyford, Edcouch-Elsa, Raymondville, Monte Alto, and Lasara school districts, offering them a firsthand look at maritime industries through expert-led presentations, site tours, and hands-on activities. The goal: to help students understand the global importance of maritime business and highlight the local career pathways available to them.

Dr. Delicia Sanchez, Region One ESC and College and Career Advisor with Upward Bound Math and Science Grants, emphasized how experiences like this camp help open doors for students exploring their futures.

“Part of our grants are to expose our students to both career and college opportunities, so we set up these kinds of camps throughout the summer to achieve that,” Sanchez said. “This camp specifically is really broadening their eyes as to what they can do and stay local, if they choose to, because maritime business is huge here in the valley.”

Kicking off at TSC’s International Business, Education and Commerce (ITEC) Center, students were greeted with a formal welcome and an introduction to career pathways in the maritime industry and at the Port of Brownsville.

Dr. Emma Miller, TSC’s Dean of Business, Education, Architecture and Technology (BEAT) Division, and Dr. Robert Morrison, Program Manager and Professor of the Practice for TAMU’s Maritime Business Administration Program, delivered presentations emphasizing the economic impact of maritime industries and the growing need for skilled professionals.

“51ÁÔĆć 80% of everything we buy in the United States comes from other countries and has to be shipped so that is can arrive here, and there’s a lot of money involved in that entire process,” said Dr. Morrison “Those ships cost literally billions of dollars, and there’s billions of dollars’ worth of freight on them that has to be insured and coordinated in order to get it from its origin point to its final destination. There are a lot of specialty areas involving insurance, finance, international law, and so on, so the people involved with keeping the process running need to be well-versed in these different areas.”

The second day brought students face-to-face with the heart of maritime operations as they toured the Port of Brownsville and visited the U.S. Coast Guard station. These experiences gave them a tangible sense of the specialized careers and essential services rooted in the port industry.

As the only deep-water seaport located directly on the U.S.–Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville plays a vital role in international trade and local economic growth. The port supports over 10,000 jobs across multiple industries and serves as the grantee and administrator of Foreign Trade Zone No. 62, one of the largest such zones in Texas. Each year, the port handles approximately $7 billion in exported goods and $3.2 billion in imports, ranking it No. 14 among the 193 foreign trade zones in the United States for import value.

“One of our biggest functions is to create jobs, going as far back as when the Port of Brownsville was first created back in the 1930s, said Tony Rodriguez, Director of Cargo Services for the Port of Brownsville. “There are a lot of projects we have going on right now, so we need to connect with our local educational institutions let the students know what’s available here for them. Our biggest goal is to have students from this generation stay here, get educated, and let them know what kind of good paying job opportunities are available in port industries.”

Returning to the ITEC Center on day three, students participated in hands-on activities in TSC’s Construction Technology and HVAC training labs, giving them a general understanding of safety procedures, tools and manufacturing processes common to industries.

The final day of the camp took students to the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center in McAllen, where they explored academic offerings of their recently launched their Maritime Business Administration program. Students who find themselves interested in areas like port operations, shipping companies, or business roles such as accounting, finance, and management now have the opportunity to study for a degree that prepares them for career opportunities in global industry while remaining close to home.

By the end of the four-day experience, students left with a clearer vision of the wide-ranging opportunities available in the maritime and port industries, as well as the confidence that they could one day find fulfilling careers along the Gulf Coast.

“I feel like I learned a lot of good stuff in this camp,” said Giselle Gomez, a sophomore at Lasara High School. “It’s given me a better idea of more options I can consider in the future.”

This summer, a dedicated group of students from Hanna Early College High School took their first major steps into the medical field by completing clinical rotations at South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital. The students recently earned their Patient Care Technician (PCT) certifications through the TX ACE Stronger OST Initiative, a program made possible through a strategic partnership between 51ÁÔĆć and local BISD schools.

Their clinicals, which wrapped up on Friday, June 26, 2025, placed them directly into the kind of working environment they will experience in their future careers. Beyond observational exercises, the students were given a hands-on preview of the demands and responsibilities that come with a career in health care.

According to Rita Mata-Guerrero, Market Chief Nursing Officer at South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital, the experience serves both the students and the hospital’s mission.

“Students rotating through our building learn both technical skills and compassionate care, which contributes to improved patient satisfaction and health outcomes during their clinical rotations,” she said. “Additionally, engaging with students during their clinical rotations allows us to identify talented individuals early on and potentially offer them mentorship and future employment opportunities.”

While the rotations offer the hospital an opportunity to support the next generation of care providers, for students, the impact is immediate and personal. From conducting rounds to working directly with patients under supervision, each day offered the chance to put classroom learning into active practice.

Zodi Fernandes, a participating student and newly certified PCT, said the experience helped bring the fast-paced realities of the medical field into greater focus.

“This is really my first step into the medical field, and this program has helped me learn so much about how quickly things move in the field, so being able to watch nurses and doctors help others gives me a lot of confidence about what I’m learning and how I will be able to use these skills in the future.”

That kind of confidence is one of the key goals of the Stronger OST Initiative, which aims to give high school students both the tools and the exposure to pursue careers directly out of school. At Hanna, that mission is being realized through strong guidance and strategic support.

Blanca Lambarri, Principal of Hanna Early College High School, has seen firsthand how early ambition can flourish with the right opportunities.

“We see 9th graders come into Hanna with dreams and goals, and many of them want to work toward finding a way into the medical field, so it’s such an amazing thing that we have this partnership with TSC that helps us give them opportunities to have these experiences and give them insight as to what it’s really like to work in the field,” she said. “It creates endless opportunities for these students.”

As these students move forward in their academic and professional journeys, the knowledge, mentorship, and experience gained at the South Texas Rehabilitation Hospital will serve as a strong foundation upon which they will continue to build. More importantly, their success highlights how impactful programs like the Stronger OST Initiative and partnerships between institutions like TSC and BISD can be in shaping early career readiness for the next generation of health care professionals.

51ÁÔĆć (TSC) is proud to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 STRONGER Out-of-School-Time (OST) Initiative. This initiative is designed to empower students in grades 9-12 through workforce training and mental health support, made possible through funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act under the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program, also known as the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (Texas ACE).

One of the greatest realizations that a high school student can come to is determining what career pathway is right for them before they even set foot into a college classroom. As part of this initiative, they will now have the opportunity to connect with industry-aligned certifications and hands-on career preparation through TSC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education (WTCE) division. It is an opportunity for students to explore their futures, develop professional skills, and build confidence in their abilities.

51ÁÔĆć is proud to partner with local Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) high schools through Texas ACE Centers in this student-focused initiative, helping them develop the crucial skills and confidence needed to successfully navigate their futures.

“This initiative goes beyond traditional education by equipping students with the tangible skills that lead directly to career opportunities,” said Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, Director of TSC’s Texas ACE program. “By integrating mental health support and workforce development, we are preparing the students not just for jobs but for lifelong success.”

Rolling out across five BISD high schools, The STRONGER OST Initiative will provide students with early exposure to career pathways, bridging the gap between high school education and postsecondary opportunities, helping them gain industry certifications to increase job prospects, and integrating mental health resources to accommodate student needs and help them reach their goals.

Students participating in the initiative will have the opportunity to work through a tier-based learning framework, giving them access to career exploration through worksite tours and hands-on activities, as well as career preparation through certification programs. In the future, the program hopes to integrate even more components, such as internships and apprenticeships, into its framework. This will provide students with even more real-world experience in the fields which they are studying toward.

Each participating high school have selected certifications based on student needs, ensuring careful alignment with local workforce demands:

TSC ACE Center – Hanna Early College High School: Patient Care Technician (PCT)
TSC ACE Center – Lopez Early College High School: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
TSC ACE Center – Porter Early College High School: Welding/OSHA 10
TSC ACE Center – Pace Early College High School: Private Security Officer Level II and CPR
TSC ACE Center – Rivera Early College High School: Welding/OSHA 10

“We sincerely thank Sarah Daly, Texas 21st CCLC State Coordinator and Expanded Learning Project Manager at the Texas Education Agency, along with the performance coaches, for their guidance and expertise in strengthening expanded learning opportunities,” added Dr. Tipton. “The program has received overwhelming support from the participating BISD high schools, as administrators, teachers, and students all recognize the life-changing potential of these career-focused opportunities that are now available.”

In the bustling halls of Raul A. Besteiro, Jr. Middle School in the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD), something exciting happened on that memorable morning. The students, teachers, and staff were excited because it was no ordinary day. Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, the Director of Special Instructional Projects at 51ÁÔĆć (TSC), was stepping into the role of Principal for the Day.ĚýĚý

Dr. Tipton was greeted with the drumline sounds from Besterio’s marching band and cheers from Besterio’s cheerleading squad.ĚýĚýĚý

The school’s Principal, Teresa Nuñez, greeted Dr. Tipton with warmth and enthusiasm as she arrived. “I’m so excited that you are here this morning,” Principal Nuñez said with a smile. “The work that you do is able to support the job that we do here at Besteiro Middle School; I’m grateful for the guidance, the support that provide through your program Texas ACE (Texas Afterschool Centers on Education) because our student benefit greatly from the after-school tutorials and the enrichment programs in the morning.”ĚýĚýĚý

Dr. Tipton, who had spent years fostering educational initiatives at TSC, was humbled by the opportunity to experience life on the other side of the desk. The ACE (Afterschool Centers on Education) program was one of her proudest accomplishments, and seeing its impact firsthand at the middle school level was a unique experience for her.Ěý

In October 2023, TSC secured a grant supporting BISD community educational initiatives. The five-year, 10-million-dollar competitive grant, funded through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program and administered by the Texas Education Agency’s Texas ACE, bolsters efforts to create a brighter future for students in the BISD. The grant enables TSC to extend learning beyond the regular school day, establishing a safe and supportive environment for students to access homework help/tutoring, personalized academic support, and engage in enrichment activities such as clubs and sports.Ěý

As Dr. Tipton took her seat in the principal’s office, she was not alone in her appreciation for the partnership between TSC and the school district. Principal Nunez also praised Vicky M. Garcia, the Site Coordinator for the ACE program at 51ÁÔĆć, acknowledging her pivotal role in bridging the gap between middle school students and higher education.Ěý

“We have an amazing coordinator, Ms. Vicky Garcia,” Nuñez said. “Please note that the Besteiro learning community is so grateful for your efforts and the support that you give us. I am glad you will experience our work here at Besteiro.”Ěý

After her welcome, Dr. Tipton visited classrooms and engaged with students and staff.  Dr. Tipton beamed with pride as she listened to the students.ĚýĚý

“You’re on the right path,” she said. “Keep pushing forward—success comes from hard work, determination, and the support of those who believe in you, like your teachers and TSC ACE coordinators.”Ěý

As the Day went on, Dr. Tipton was able to sit in on meetings with teachers, collaborate with staff members, and see the incredible work being done to support the students of Raul A. Besteiro, Jr. Middle School. But what stood out most to her was the community surrounding the students.Ěý

“Education opens the door to opportunity, and today, I saw firsthand how a dedicated community makes that possible. The passion of the principal, students, teachers, and staff at Besteiro Middle School reaffirmed my belief that when we come together, we turn dreams into reality.”ĚýĚý

As the Day ended, Dr. Tipton reflected on the experience. She was inspired by the work being done at Besteiro and the collaboration between TSC and BISD. And although her time as Principal for the Day had come to an end, she left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the future of Brownsville’s students was brighter than ever.Ěý

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Local students had a unique opportunity to receive hands-on experience with a variety of exciting activities and projects as part of this year’s 51ÁÔĆć (TSC) Summer Camp Program.

Over two weeks, from June 24 to July 5, students participating in the TSC Texas ACE program visited 51ÁÔĆć’s International Technology, Education and Commerce (ITEC) Center and the Recreation Center Annex, where over a dozen different themed sessions awaited them.

TSC Texas ACE provides no-cost activities before and after school for K-12 students in Title I schools. It is federally funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers and administered on the state level by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The TSC Texas ACE Summer Camp brought in participating ACE students from ten BISD schools, comprising five middle and five high schools.

Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, Director of 51ÁÔĆć’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the program’s success. “Our program is a testament to the power of collaboration,” she said. The achievements of the summer camps are largely attributed to the robust partnerships established across the community and within the various divisions of 51ÁÔĆć. Additionally, collaboration with BISD’s Food and Nutrition Services ensures that students receive nutritious meals, while BISD’s Transportation Department provides reliable transportation throughout the year. The involvement of TSC Texas ACE Site Coordinators, BISD-certified teachers, and BISD paraprofessionals in life skills training from the respective campuses further enriches the students’ learning experience.

For this installment of the TSC Texas ACE Summer Camp, several experienced TSC faculty members willingly joined in to share the benefit of their knowledge and experience in their respective fields with the young campers.

“At the heart of our summer program are the exceptional faculty at 51ÁÔĆć,” said Dr. Tipton. “Their dedication and expertise are the backbone of our summer camps. We work closely with faculty from various disciplines, offering students hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM). The program also includes contributions from the Division of Workforce Training and Continuing Education, offering forklift certifications to the students and their family members, and the Criminal Justice Institute, which hosts a Law Enforcement camp. Additionally, the Division of Student Services offered wellness camps encompassing volleyball, basketball, dance, yoga, and indoor soccer.”

Jaime Rodriguez, a Computer Information Systems and Cybersecurity instructor, held an Everything Information Technology (I.T.) camp, giving students a closer look at the basic skills necessary for those who may be interested in the field. “We start with the basic PC hardware, so I guide the students along as we use tools to open up the computers, look at the parts and go over what functions they have,” said Rodriguez. “Then, as the week goes on, we’ll move on to the basics of computer networking, so they have exercises like building network cables, and eventually, we start talking about the basics of cybersecurity.”

The scope of the overview given by Rodriguez to the students ties directly into one of the main purposes of the camp in the form of introducing them to several different pathways they can explore in any field in which they are interested. “Something like this can help them decide whether or not they feel that they identify more with the hands-on work of an I.T. technician or if they lean more toward the networking or cybersecurity aspects of the field,” Rodriguez added. “But they have all been very receptive toward what they’re learning, and they feel comfortable asking questions.”

In addition to the available workforce-related sessions, students could participate in activities focused on more broad subjects like art, history, and mathematics.

“Ms. Jamie Saenz and I developed the Math in History ACE Summer Camp this year, and we aimed to take students on a journey from BCE cultures through World War II,” said Britnney Gillespie-Porter, a TSC Mathematics Instructor. “Each day, we began with an introductory lesson to the historical era or culture on which we would focus that day, and then we integrated a math-based activity that built on the historical knowledge.” Some of the concepts covered by the students included the Mayans and their numbering system, the Renaissance period and its devotion to art, encryption, and codebreaking during World War II, and developing their own coded messages and corresponding ciphers.

The activities were specifically designed with the intention of showing students how much crossover exists in the Liberal Arts. “When we, as educators, take the time to show how our fields are interconnected, students begin to see the importance of the different content areas and the skills developed within those areas,” Gillespie-Porter continued.

“Highlighting the STEM fields through the lens of Liberal Arts makes each of those subject areas less intimidating to students. When tying a subject like math to more approachable topics like art or history, the stigma and difficulty of the intimidating subject is minimized. It’s no longer a barrier to understanding and educational advancement.”

Ultimately, one of the program’s primary goals is to show students the numerous academic and career possibilities available to them in a wide variety of fields. By giving them a chance to have hands-on experience with the basic concepts of many different fields, TSC Texas ACE is fulfilling that goal and helping create more opportunities for these young students as they look toward their futures.