Freshman Robert Cantu of Lasara High School received a big dose of potential college and job options during the Education and Career EXPO at Texas State Technical College Harlingen on Sept. 18.

He listened to presentations involving Surgical Technology, Nurse Assistant, Computer Drafting & Design Technology, and the Academic Core for transfer students. It wasn’t enough for him; he wanted to visit the Welding Technology Department. So, his 23 peers – plus three instructors – added welding to the itinerary before visiting with career experts at 45 exhibit booths in the Cultural Arts Center.

Few energy efficient inventions and products vying for the attention of consumers concerned about rising gas costs match the Texas Moon Dog Bikes.

The motor-powered bicycles cruise at speeds over 30 mph while averaging a whopping 120 miles per gallon and most models sell for under $600. Besides the excellent fuel economy, Texas State Technical College student J.D. Smith finds that he draws attention with waves from motorists and pedestrians as he test drives the merchandise. Some occasionally chase after him and get him to stop to learn more.

Paparazzi camera flashes popped as the top student leaders of Texas State Technical College Harlingen strolled into the second annual recognition banquet titled “TSTC Night at the Oscars.” The Student Government Association handed out “Oscars” during the soiree July 19.

Medals eluded six Texas State Technical College Harlingen students at the national SkillsUSA competition, but each participant learned lessons applicable toward their education and careers.

A new articulation agreement between Texas State Technical College Harlingen and Texas A&M-Kingsville will allow students to simultaneously enroll at both institutions of higher education.

A new articulation agreement between Texas State Technical College Harlingen and the University of Texas-San Antonio provides more higher education options as UTSA will accept 60 to 70 transfer credits from TSTC students or graduates.

Three artists brought their creations together for the Noche de Gala scholarship fund-raiser reception at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. The distinct selections represent themes from the wall the United States will build along its border with Mexico to contemporary personal messages to folk humor to serene scenery. The exhibit remains open to the public. Twenty percent of the revenues from art sales will go to the college’s student scholarship fund.

“This Lyford Elementary student is college bound!” The slogan printed on the back of shirts worn by Lyford Elementary School students who toured Texas State Technical College Harlingen on May 2 seemed prophetic.

Technology teachers from several Rio Grande Valley high schools underwent role reversal as they became students during the VEX Robotics Training Seminar at TSTC. The group assembled and programmed robots to improve their teaching techniques for projects that could allow students to work on automated manufacturing processes.

Tech Day matched new G Force members and college volunteers from TSTC with an estimated 600 students from nine high schools visiting the campus. Three G Force members said they are excited about providing information and perspectives for potential students of all ages.

Tuition-free Adult Basic Education classes are under way at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. Jack Damron, executive director of Region One, based in Edinburg, said that General Equivalency Diploma and pre-GED classes through the agency do not require a fee or costs other than a TSTC parking permit.

A basketball tournament for robots built and controlled by Mechatronics Technology students became a high-tech sports event and a test of their technical skills.

Three new courses – Pharmacy Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician and Physical Therapy Aide – are scheduled to open this April within the Continuing Education department at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. The expanding curriculum is one of the priorities for Continuing Education Director Angie Gonzalez, who took the position in December.

A $2.1 million grant awarded to Texas State Technical College Harlingen based on serving Hispanic students will boost student recruitment and push graduates toward higher degrees. The funding will create an academic achievement center and fill eight new employee positions during a five-year span. Director of Student Success Richard Kirk said that the achievement center would provide an all-encompassing site for tutorial services, supplemental instruction, peer monitoring and related programs.

Emergency Medical Technology graduates will be more familiar with ambulance procedures thanks to hands-on experience with a new simulator at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.

Texas State Technical College Harlingen recently became the first site in the state to receive and use a Z Printer 450 built by Z Corporation to create more accurate three-dimensional prototypes in less time.

Texas State Technical College Harlingen offers the Rio Grande Valley opportunities to launch a technological and cultural Renaissance in the 21^st century, according to the research and conclusions of two experts.