It was announced in 2015 that Texas A&M University’s flagship campus in College Station signed an agreement to open a satellite campus in McAllen. Earlier this year, the Texas A&M University Board of Regents approved conceptual plans for the first academic building in McAllen and appropriated $36 million for its construction.
The last step was to have the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approve the project. In October of 2016, Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp announced that not only did the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approve the project, but it also announced that the official groundbreaking of this new location would take place on December 15, 2016.
With four years of preparation, the Rio Grande Valley understands how monumental this endeavor is, not just for McAllen, but also for the growing educational options offered throughout South Texas.
Contact the Alamo EDC for more information on local incentives to better assist your business!
A Local Impact
A report released by the Rockefeller Institute detailed how colleges and universities play a key role in economic development both regionally and statewide. By providing more local educational opportunities, students and future leaders offer support for local employers as they learn and grow.
More Options Throughout South Texas
The Rio Grande Valley has been flourishing with many higher education institutions and technical/vocational schools. From Edinburg to Harlingen, the Rio Grande Valley has provided a number of opportunities for residents and visitors.
First School of Medicine at UTRGV
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers over 120 undergraduate and graduate programs, including the first School of Medicine in the Valley. Merging the University of Texas at Brownsville and the former University of Texas-Pan American has allowed UTRGV to have a campus in Brownsville, Edinburg, McAllen, Harlingen and Rio Grande City, allowing for a larger university that has created even more opportunities and resources for students. For the first time, Valley students will have the opportunity to earn a medical degree close to home.
The UTRGV School of Medicine received its preliminary accreditation on October 19, 2015 from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. In April of 2016, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree program for the school.
In the Summer of 2016, construction was completed on the $54 million Medical Education Building in Edinburg, and the UTRGV School of Medicine opened, welcoming 55 students into its charter class.
South Texas College
South Texas College is a public community college with one of the largest dual enrollment early college high school institutions in the United States. With five campuses located across South Texas and one virtual campus, it has over 34,000 enrolled students. Since 1993, STC has allowed students to obtain their bachelor’s and associate’s degrees while offering continual professional and workforce education programs entailing over 119 degree and certification options.
The college recently announced its partnership with Baylor University on a new “Baylor Bound” transfer agreement. Baylor Bound will serve highly motivated students from STC that meet the program’s criteria to transfer to the university to complete baccalaureate degrees. For more information on transfer requirements, click here.
Texas State Technical College
A part of the sophisticated technical-vocational institute in the country, Texas State Technical College has captivated students all across the world with several locations in Texas. One campus is located in Harlingen, offering students technical programs and academic courses that are in demand for the 21st century.
South Texas Vocational Tech
With two locations in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Vocational Tech provides students with a friendly campus that features facilities designed to simulate real world conditions to better provide quality career training through hands-on, student participation. From Brownsville, McAllen and Weslaco, students are assisted by the Career Services Department with resume applications, cover letters, interviewing skills and job placement. For over 40 years, STVT has served the Rio Grande Valley with educational and trade jobs.
Southern Careers Institute
Locating in Harlingen and Pharr, Southern Careers Institute offers business accounting, cosmetology and medical trades with over 25 certifications and 17 programs. SCI has designed programs in specific high-growth fields that allow students to be more marketable with customized, employer-tailored programs.
What This Means for Your Business in Alamo
When looking for an ideal location in the Rio Grande Valley, know that these higher education opportunities can benefit your business tremendously with a skilled workforce that you won’t find anywhere else. For more information on how we can help you reach the commercial success you’ve always wanted, contact us today at 956.787.6622.