BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Dozens of middle school students from school districts across the Rio Grande Valley explored a variety of career pathways offered through 51����’s (TSC) Workforce Training and Continuing Education (WTCE) division during the Summer Exploration Camp, held June 1–4 at the ITEC Center.

Through interactive, hands-on activities, students gained valuable insight into different career fields and educational opportunities available through WTCE programs.

Instructors from the Diesel Technician, Welding, Auto Body Repair Technology and Basic Peace Officer programs guided students through workshops designed to introduce them to each field and the careers available within those industries.

“The camp connects them to the instructors we have here who are industry-ready and qualified,” said WTCE Executive Director Juan Leal. “We expose them to different equipment, supplies, and tools that the industries are currently using.”

The camp is one of more than a dozen that TSC and WTCE are hosting for middle and high school students throughout the summer.

“We have a lot of support from the school districts,” Leal said. “We also work closely with them throughout the year. We want to make sure students succeed and are college- and career-ready after graduation.”

The welding workshop drew strong interest from campers, including Ethan Hernandez, a student from San Perlita Middle School who comes from a family of welders.

“I like how you had the chance to cut your initial out and take it home,” he said.

Hernandez said he enjoyed all the workshops and shared his experience with his parents.

“I told them it was fun and that I learned a lot about different careers,” he said.

Dominic Hernandez, a student from Garcia Middle School in Brownsville, also comes from a family of welders and relished the opportunity to use the tools provided by instructors.

“I want to keep it going for generations,” Dominic said. “The plasma cutter was my favorite. You can weld and cut at the same time.”

Leal said the enthusiasm he sees from students reinforces the effort staff members put into organizing the camp.

“It’s hands-on with jackets and helmets, and they get to experience what it feels like,” Leal said. “They get excited and take things home. We see there’s a lot of talent out there.”

Students in the auto body workshop used a simulator to practice painting cars and were given small car models to apply their skills and take home.

“They gave us a car, and we had to cover it with a clear coat,” said Hailey Gutierrez, a student from Vela Middle School in Brownsville. “I really enjoyed it because I never expected myself to do that kind of work.”

Ensuring campers have fun and memorable experiences is a key component of the summer camps.

“We want them to take that experience home and talk about it with their parents,” Leal said. “That way, they can make informed decisions about their future and what degree or career they want to pursue.”

51����’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education division will launch a new round of short-term programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and credentials needed for today’s in-demand careers.

As part of this effort, TSC will host a series of Training Sessions and Information Sessions to help prospective students get started, explore options, and meet the faculty whose expertise will guide them toward new and exciting career opportunities.

These sessions provide flexible scheduling, hands-on training, and direct connections to employers, making TSC a regional leader in workforce development:

Short-Term Workforce Training Programs (starting January 12)

Manufacturing Machine Operator
Jan. 12 – Mar. 12 | 5:30 – 9:30 PM
Develop production-ready skills in CNC machining and 3D printing using industry-standard equipment.

Patient Care Technician
Jan. 12 – Apr. 10 | 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Train for key patient-support roles in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Diesel Engine Specialist, Electrical Technician, NCCER Field Safety
Jan. 12 – Mar. 26 | 8 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 5 PM
Gain technical skills in diesel mechanics, electrical systems, and nationally recognized safety standards.

Electro-Mechanical Technician
Jan. 12 – Apr. 2 | 8 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 5 PM
Build expertise in automation, industrial control devices, control circuits, and industrial process control. Troubleshoot and repair electromechanical systems while learning industrial controls, PLCs, fluid power, motor control fundamentals, and more.

Welding & NCCER Pipefitting
Jan. 12 – Mar. 26 | 8 AM – 12 PM | 1 – 5 PM | 6 – 10 PM
Master foundational and advanced welding and industrial pipefitting skills through hands-on, industry-aligned training.

Private Security Training
December 9 – 13 | 1 – 10 PM | ITEC Center
Jump-start a career in private security with essential training in legal basics, emergency response, situational awareness, and professional conduct. This fast-paced course prepares individuals for entry-level roles and the state licensing process.

Information Sessions

Industrial Programs Information Session

December 9 | 10 AM – 12 PM & 3 – 5 PM
ITEC Center, Room E104

Learn about TSC’s hands-on industrial programs directly from expert instructors. Attendees will explore training options, review certification pathways, and discover how these programs connect graduates to jobs in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and other in-demand fields.

Programs featured:
Electro-Mechanical Technician • Manufacturing Machine Operator • NCCER Field Safety • Diesel Engine Specialist • Electrical Technician • NCCER Pipefitting • Welding • Forklift

Allied Health Information Session

January 8 | 2 – 4 PM
ITEC Center, Room E104

Meet Allied Health faculty, learn about clinical experiences, and see how TSC’s short-term healthcare programs prepare students for immediate employment in hospitals, clinics, labs, and long-term care settings.

Programs featured:
Phlebotomy • Patient Care Technician • Medical Records Specialist • Certified Nursing Assistant

To enroll or learn more, call (956) 295-3724, email wtce@tsc.edu, or visit .

CNA Program Graduates – from left to right: Elvira Castro, Melissa Briones, Elexa Acuna, Martha Rodriguez, Chelssey Elias
Back row: Kiara Prado, Melissa Velasques, Dante Perez

PCT Program Graduates – from left to right: Isela Gonzalez, Cristina Knight, Kayla Olvera, Adriana Canales, Aracely Rodriguez, Melissa De Leon, Liliana Rodriguez, Stephanie Martinez Peralta
Back row: Christopher Escobar, Valerie Estrada

Martha Rodriguez

I want to start by saying that there are always opportunities in life. I am grateful that I joined the CNA and GED program because it was the opportunity I needed. I wanted to prove to myself that I could achieve my goals and prove to my children that everything is possible in life. I wanted to thank Mrs. R. Gonzalez for guiding me to the right path and my classmates for all their support. I would also like to thank my family for supporting me in this goal, which is very important to me. Thank you for this great opportunity.

Elvira Castro

My whole life, I doubted myself and my ability to succeed. That doubt ended the moment I started this program. I will forever be very grateful for this amazing opportunity. I am super thankful to my husband, Angel – your encouragement has been my guiding light since the day I started this new journey. Thank you for always being here for me when I wanted to give up. To my sister Grace, you have always been one of my biggest supporters. Thanks for pushing me to do the best. Lastly, thanks to mom. I want to express my heartful gratitude for your unwavering support and love throughout my life. Thank you for believing in me no matter the circumstances – you inspire me every day. I love you guys so much!

Aracely Rodríguez

Quiero empezar este discurso felicitando a mis compañeros por todo el esfuerzo y dedicación que pusieron durante estos 2 meses. Fue una aventura corta con ustedes pero uno que voy apreciar toda mi vida. Al igual, quiero agradecer a mi profesor por la paciencia que nos tenía. Thank you to Mr. Simon for believing in every each and one of us, encourging us to become more, and pushing us every day to be greater. I will always be thankful for a professor like you! Finalmente, quiero agradecer a mis papas y familia, por apoyarme en todo. Gracias mama y papa por sus sacrificios que hicieron para yo poder estar caminado aqui recibiendo mi certificado. Esto es para ustedes y les prometo que lograre mas, esto es solo el principio de esta aventura! Los amo!

Christina Knight

I would like to thank my family for their unwavering love and support, especially my aunt Angie and my uncle Dave for always believing in me and inspiring me to persevere. I am also appreciative of the wonderful staff for their dedication and commitment. And thank you to my instructor, Mr. Simon, for his guidance, support, and efforts in helping me grow and succeed. I’m deeply grateful to each of you for helping me reach this milestone.

Dante Perez��

I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Garcia, Mrs. Gonzalez, and Mrs. Flor. Your contributions and dedication have played a crucial role in making this program a successful one. I truly appreciate the time and effort you have invested.��

Students in TSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program will participate in free ultrasound scans for eligible individuals.

Are you looking to boost your career in the health care field? 51����’s new Patient Care Technician track may be for you! The State workforce commission has identified patient care technicians as an emerging, high-growth and high-demand occupation, and funding is available through the college’s workforce development partners to fully scholarship students who meet Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) qualifications.����

The program builds upon 51����’s traditional Certified Nurse Assistant program, by adding instruction in phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG)–skills in high demand by local healthcare providers.����

“It’s going to make the student more marketable in the workforce,” Associate Vice President of Instruction-Academic Success Dr. Angelica Fuentes said. “Healthcare is the number one field in the Valley, and there is always a need, locally, for patient care technicians.”��

The starting average pay in Texas for Patient Care Technicians rages between $30,000 and $35,000 annually.��

Classes begin August 7, however students seeking scholarship funding should begin the WIOA application process as soon as possible to ensure they have ample time to attend orientation, complete career coaching and testing sessions, and allow for document processing. Students may call 51����’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education division for more information at (956) 295-3724.��

Funding for Patient Care Technician scholarships is provided by Workforce Solutions Cameron and Greater Brownsville Incentive Corporation, who have allocated $297,000 for eligible local students.����

Criminal Justice Institute graduates Gomez and Pelayo work under law enforcement vet Delaunay at Cameron County D.A. office��

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There are Scorpions all over the Cameron County District Attorney’s office. But no need to worry, these Scorpions are on the case to deliver justice!��

From the top floor down to the first level of the Administration Building, 51���� alumni are making an impact on the department and the community they serve.������

Two standouts in the department are investigators Mayra Pelayo and Karina Gomez. Both are making the 51���� Criminal Justice Institute Police Academy proud of their work on the investigative team. ��

They work under the direction of another Scorpion alum, Chief Investigator George Delaunay. ��

Investigators Karina Gomez and Mayra Pelayo work under lead investigator George DeLaunay and District Attorney Luis Saenz to prosecute suspects. Ms. Gomez, Ms. Pelayo, and Mr. DeLaunay are all alumni of 51����.

George DeLaunay, Lead Investigator

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He attended TSC in the late 1970s before earning a bachelor’s degree at Pan American University. His career in law enforcement included decades with the Drug Enforcement Agency before bringing his expertise to Cameron County D.A. alongside District Attorney Luis V. Saenz.����

DeLaunay also serves on the Criminal Justice Institute’s advisory board to guide the program’s direction. ��

“A good number of my investigators, at some point, attended TSC, including myself,” DeLaunay said. “We have a historical connection, those of us who have 30 plus years in law enforcement. There is a deep connection to TSC.”��

Delaunay explained how on top of being women, in a primarily male field, Gomez and Pelayo are a younger duo than what is expected in an investigator position. ����

“They are learning every day, all of us are in this job, there is always something new,” DeLaunay said. “Most of the investigators we bring in are much older than these two ladies. Typically, they have had a career in law enforcement and then we come here.”��

Since Gomez and Pelayo have worked in police departments, they have the experience necessary to communicate with PDs while building the skills to put together cases for prosecuting attorneys. ��

Karina Gomez, Criminal Investigator

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“We help the attorney and victims paint a better picture at the court level. We want to present the best view of the incident,” Gomez, a 2013 graduate of Lopez High school said. “When we paint a great picture for the judge and jury, it aids the person looking for justice.”��

She said that her career took off after earning the knowledge and certification from the Criminal Justice Institute. “I finished the CJI police academy and then earned my TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) license, and it opened many doors,” Gomez said. “I have been able to serve my community. I was previously at BISD before returning to school and earning my associate degree. I wanted to be as prepared as possible, and I knew TSC had the tools to help me accomplish that.”��

Gomez now works on crime scenes to determine how to put together the best case to prosecute suspects.����

Investigators Karina Gomez and Mayra Pelayo work under lead investigator George DeLaunay and District Attorney Luis Saenz to prosecute suspects. Ms. Gomez, Ms. Pelayo, and Mr. DeLaunay are all alumni of 51����.

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Luis V. Saenz, Cameron County District Attorney

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District Attorney Luis Saenz had rave reviews for the quality of students that become employees in his office, with Gomez and Pelayo serving as prime examples.����

“We’ve had very good results with TSC students and TSC alumni,” D.A. Saenz said. “That is why we keep going back there; we know that they are good, trained and they are committed. We have very good results, so we look forward to going back there, picking up recruits and putting them to work for the safety of Cameron County.”��

Saenz and his office have shown dedication to fighting the epidemic of domestic violence in the Rio Grande Valley. In October, the RGV District Attorney Coalition stopped at 51���� to speak on domestic violence and how to prevent the problem in young people. ��

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Mayra Pelayo, Criminal Investigator

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Pelayo completed the program in 2011. She spent 10 years as a patrol officer with two different departments before landing at Cameron County where she specializes in domestic violence cases. She joined the D.A. office in 2021.����

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“I completed the full-time Police Academy and started working for the city of South Padre Island in 2011. I was there for a few years before working with Brownsville ISD PD for eight years,” Pelayo said. “Then I saw this position and I went for it.”��

Her work as an investigator with the District Attorney’s office is vastly different than what she has experienced before. But her base in education helped make the transition possible.����

“I had never done some of the requirements of being an investigator,” Pelayo said. “We work after the fact, seeing the reports. We are not the first officers on scene, so it was a learning experience. But it is rewarding because we can see the full process and not just take the initial report and never know what happens after that.”��

She admitted that the work around domestic violence can be emotionally taxing work but reaching the desired resolution gives the work value. ��

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Join the tradition!��

If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, the TSC Criminal Justice Institute is a great place to start, with proven results. You can contact records specialist Litzy Hernandez at 956-295-3734 or via e-mail litzy.hernandez@tsc.edu. ��

The police academy’s webpage is /workforce-training-and-career-education/criminal-justice-institute/. ��