RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas South Texas College President Ricardo J. Solis has announced new programs for the Starr County campus in Rio Grande City.
Speaking at the start of a Starr County Industrial Foundation discussion on broadband connectivity, Solis said STC has focused on technology and health in the county.
“It is great to be here. What a remarkable change we've seen in over the last few years. It is so enlightening when I come here, every time, to the city and, of course, Starr County. The changes that we've seen have been phenomenal, very, very significant and most importantly, inspiring. The changes and the growth,” Solis said.
“These changes and growth have been not as a consequence… not by luck… but these have been planned, strategized by the leadership of the entire city of Rio Grande City and the county of Starr, and, of course, South Texas College. It has been a remarkable partnership.”
Solis said “some very unique strides,” have been made by STC at the Starr County Campus.
“We have been focusing in two main areas, that is in technology and in health. In both of these big areas we've seen some great achievements. Beginning with the technology part, we’ve seen our manufacturing grow, especially in the automotive. We're about to complete the facility for the automotive, as well as HVAC, as well the welding. And they'll also be finished early spring. This is going to more than triple the capacity that we're going to have here for the citizens of Starr County. Very exciting time.”
Solis said health education is a big necessity, with medical students in great demand.
“Your students now are able to complete their nursing programs here in Starr County, something that was not available just a couple of years ago. They are now able to complete their nursing programs, the LVN specifically, here at this campus. So this is a very significant time to announce this because this was something that was not available. Of course, it is a high demand program and we know that many students still want to attain and go into the medical field. That is why we are very excited about that.”
Solis said STC would also be officially announcing an emergency medical technician program soon.
“Thanks to the STC board and of course it was a partnership, working with all the leaders here, we’re going to have that coming out very soon, the EMT program,” Solis said. “I know that the mayor and the county judge specifically have been anxious to get this program started.”
The EMT program is slated to start in the spring of 2024, Solis said.
“Basically in two months, people will be able to take this program. So that's very exciting. And we're hoping to have this based here at the campus of South Texas College. So those are very exciting times.”
Solis also spoke about broadband connectivity and thanked VTX1 for helping Starr County improve access to the digital world. Four VTX1 executives spoke on a panel at the event.
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of STC President Ricardo Solis' presentation at the Starr County Industrial Foundation event:
https://youtu.be/I9v37mmzTkE
