BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Dozens of middle school students from school districts across the Rio Grande Valley explored a variety of career pathways offered through 51ÁÔĆć’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.”

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Students in 51ÁÔĆć’s HVAC program toured the TSC Recreation Center on April 14 for a firsthand look at the equipment that helps keep the facility operating, turning a campus visit into a lesson on real-world HVAC work.

The tour gave students an opportunity to see how the concepts they study in class apply in a working setting. Gerardo Mascorro, TSC HVAC supervisor, said the visit was meant to introduce students to another side of the trade and show them what the industry can offer.

“Hopefully they can [get] involved pretty soon because it’s the best way to get more earnings,” Mascorro said.

Federico Rodriguez, HVAC instructor at TSC, said the program offers both certificate and associate degree options while emphasizing the core skills students need to build on in the field.

“The HVAC program here, we have actually certificate and associate degree that we provide to students,” Rodriguez said. “We teach you the basics of refrigeration. We teach you the basics of electricity. Those are our two primary things that we emphasize throughout the program.”

Rodriguez said hands-on instruction continues to be one of the program’s defining features.

“What makes TSC different is that we have a lot of hands on,” he said. “We focus a lot on hands on, because that’s the most important way that students are going to learn.”

Charles Adams, an HVAC student at TSC, said the energy among students has helped push him to improve.

“Everybody’s interested. Everybody’s into it,” Adams said. “Everybody wants to grow… I love that feeling like everybody wants to get better and it makes me want to get better”

The April 14 visit to the Recreation Center gave students a chance to connect classroom instruction to working campus equipment while reinforcing the role HVAC systems play in keeping facilities running.

For students preparing to enter the field, the tour offered a closer look at the practical side of the trade and underscored the value of hands-on learning.

Harlingen, TX — March 2026 — 51ÁÔĆć (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.Ěý

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

“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,Ěýwe’reĚýensuring our local employers can strengthen leadership, improve operations, and invest in their workforce—without the financial burden that typically stands in the way.”Ěý

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

For more information or to register, please contact:Ěý
51ÁÔĆćĚý
đź“žĚý956-295-3778Ěý
📧Ěýricardo.trevino@tsc.eduĚý

51ÁÔĆć celebrated its Nursing Pinning Ceremonies on December 11 in the SET-B Lecture Hall. The day honored the achievements of TSC’s graduating nurses, beginning with the ADN Pinning Ceremony at 4 p.m., followed by the LVN Pinning Ceremony at 6 p.m. Surrounded by faculty, family, and friends, students marked this significant milestone as they prepare to enter the healthcare profession.

Congratulations to all of our students who achieved this significant milestone, your dedication and perseverance make our community Scorpion Strong.

51ÁÔĆć celebrated the accomplishments of its newest Police Academy graduates during a joyful ceremony at the TSC Performing Arts Center on Dec. 6, 2025. Family members, friends and supporters filled the auditorium as graduates proudly received recognition for completing their rigorous training. The event highlighted the cadets’ commitment to service, resilience and professionalism as they prepared to step into roles protecting and supporting the community.