BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Texas Southmost College is moving forward with plans to expand its campus footprint to South Padre Island with the development of a new Workforce Training Center.
TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez said the center is being designed to meet the growing labor demands of Cameron County and the greater Rio Grande Valley.
He said the expansion comes at a critical time because rapid industry growth across Cameron County is creating workforce shortages in high-demand fields.
“In recent years, with the rapid expansion of industries in Cameron County, there has been a need for more workforce training,” Rodriguez said. “Right now, jobs such as pipefitting, welding and a variety of jobs in the healthcare industry are in great demand, and we are in a good position to bring in students, train them quickly, and help them with a job upon completion of their training.”
Rodriguez said potential funding for the new center came about following a visit to Washington, D.C., that he, Board Chairwoman Adela Garza and Board Trustee Edward Camarillo recently made.
He said the trio met with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez to discuss federal priorities affecting community colleges.
During the meeting, Gonzalez encouraged TSC leaders to submit a $1 million proposal to support the transformation of a South Padre Island facility into an operational Workforce Training Center.
“The proposed site, located adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard station on South Padre Island, will be developed as the second TSC Workforce Training Center in Cameron County,” Garza explained.
“Being an active member of the ACCT and the Hispanic Caucus Committee allows us to bring a voice to the educational and training needs in our community. This is a significant step toward creating a path for additional careers in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Trustee Camarillo said: “If approved, the TSC South Padre Island Workforce Training Center would expand access to industry-aligned training programs while strengthening TSC’s role as a workforce engine for the Rio Grande Valley.”
While in D.C., Rodriguez, Garza and Camarillo took in a Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) conference in Washington, D.C.
According to TSC, the Association of Community College Trustees hosts one of the most significant professional development events for community college leaders nationwide. “The conference provides legislative updates, strategic sessions addressing workforce development, student success initiatives, economic mobility, and regional industry partnerships.”
About Texas Southmost College
Texas Southmost College is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Originally established in 1926, it currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. TSC offers over 60 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
