Joey Gomez
RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS – South Texas College welcomes a significant expansion to its Starr County campus created to meet the demands of students and industry in the region.
College leadership celebrated the expansion by officially opening its newest facility on campus, a brand-new $2.5 million 3,272 square-foot Starr County Building Q Automotive Lab expansion on Tuesday.
STC President Ricardo Solis, Ph.D., also announced a massive increase of more than $6 million in Starr that will include more than 13,000 square-feet of additional lab and lecture space for technical programs and resources.
“This is a long-awaited project that will be a game-changer as we bring the latest high demand, high wage programs for students in the region,” Solis said. “This will transform and immediately change opportunities for Starr County in Automotive, HVAC, Welding and Electrician programs.”
President Solis was joined by trustees Rose Benavidez and Danny Guzman, Starr County Rep. Ryan Guillen, representatives from U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and the office of Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, along with college staff, faculty and students.
The college officially ushered in the new automotive facility that includes three new bays with auto shop lifts, offices and support spaces and two new full-time faculty for the program.
In addition to the new automotive facility, the campus has expanded its Welding and Electrician Technology programs and announced the start of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) certificate program for the first time in its history in fall 2023.
The HVAC certificate program began as a milestone for the Starr County campus with at least three full-time faculty and comprised of seven courses completed in two semesters.
When the HVAC program’s $514,000 facility expansion is complete, it will comprise 4,868 square-feet of classroom and lab space along with a 671-square-foot outdoor area for students amounting to a 360% increase in space for the program.
The program is currently offering an HVAC certificate with plans to start an associate degree track by 2026.
“We have to work together, and we have to push each other. I think the one thing that the college has always stood for in this area is prosperity and progress,” Benavidez said. “So, I will tell you today that as we look forward, the only thing that matters is that we never lose sight of the fact that these students are the future of this community and they have demonstrated that if given the opportunity, they will always seize those opportunities. We will not stop until everyone in this community has the same access to fulfill their educational goals.”
The growth at STC’s Starr County campus also extends to its Electrician Technology program.
Previously housed in portable buildings on campus, electrician courses have now expanded into a 2,931 square-foot space and will soon house courses in solar and wind energy, including a composite-shingled roof to simulate real-world residential solar panel installations.
“These expansions at STC have been long awaited, now we look forward to how it will help communities here in Starr County,” said Automotive Technology Assistant Chair Rogelio Camarillo. “Now our job is to continue to unite the people here and let them know that the college is growing right along with them and that we are here to help them reach their future careers close to their homes without having them commute long distances.”
A brand-new 3,400 square-foot Welding expansion was also open in 2024, complete with a lab space, 42 welding booths and computer and lecture classrooms.
Isaac Lopez is a first-generation welder who says he works over the weekends welding gates and fences in order to gain experience while completing his Combination Welding Certificate.
“This is a great day for Rio Grande City and Starr County, and I am excited for all the new opportunities that are coming to campus,” Lopez said. “I know from experience that the growth here is going to make a lot more students attend and get started with their education. It’s amazing what is happening right now, and I look forward to what’s in store for the future.”
