Texas Southmost College (TSC) welcomed more than 900 high school students from across the Rio Grande Valley to its ITEC Center for the 23rd Annual Education & Career Expo, an event designed to connect students with hands-on training, industry certifications, and high-demand career pathways.
Held in partnership with RGV LEAD, the annual expo highlighted TSC’s role as the region’s workforce training hub. Throughout the day, students explored career and technical education programs, toured labs, met instructors, and participated in interactive demonstrations to better understand postsecondary opportunities available after high school.
“This event allows students to see that a four-year university isn’t the only pathway to success,” said Dr. Angelica Fuentes, Associate Vice President for Workforce Training and Continuing Education at TSC. “Some students are looking for fast-track programs that take just weeks, while others prefer one-year certificates. At TSC, our programs are stackable — students can enter the workforce, gain experience, and return later to continue building their credentials and advancing their careers.”
Among the programs featured was TSC’s NCCER Level 1 and Level 2 Pipefitting program, which prepares students to install, assemble, fabricate, and maintain piping systems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. With continued economic growth at the Port of Brownsville and throughout the region, demand for skilled pipefitters remains high. Students can complete training in as little as 160 hours and move directly into high-paying careers.
The Electrical Technician program also drew significant interest. This 14-week, fast-paced course provides foundational training in residential and commercial electrical work. Students gain experience using the electrical codebook and earn OSHA 10 certification, preparing them to begin work as apprentices and progress toward journeyman and master electrician status.
In addition, TSC highlighted its newest milestone — the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Organizational Management, the College’s first bachelor’s degree program. The versatile degree serves both technical and academic students and supports career advancement in leadership, project management, and business operations, while also preparing graduates for graduate-level study.
By bringing together students, educators, and workforce leaders, the 23rd Annual Education & Career Expo demonstrated Texas Southmost College’s continued commitment to workforce readiness, economic development, and accessible educational pathways for the Rio Grande Valley.
23rd Annual Education & Career Expo
23rd Annual Education & Career Expo
23rd Annual Education & Career Expo
