The dual enrollment program at Texas Southmost College is introducing three new pathways this spring to the thousands of high school students TSC serves who are working to earn college credits before receiving a high school diploma.
Computer-Aided Drafting Technology, Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology, one of TSC’s newest programs, and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) are new programs within TSC’s dual enrollment offerings.
“What’s interesting about these new programs is that they are technical programs that are in demand within industry,” said Executive Director of High School Programs and Services Jose Arambul. “This allows us to reach a different student population and get them into the workforce quicker, if that’s what they desire.”
TSC’s Dual Enrollment program works with 13 local school districts including Brownsville Independent School District, Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District (HCISD), Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District, Point Isabel Independent School District and San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, servicing more than 20 high schools.
With its three new courses, it now gives dual enrollment students like Harlingen High School senior Nathan Gutierrez a choice of 14 different pathways.
“Being a dual enrollment student with TSC has been a great opportunity for me and my family,” said the 17-year-old. “I’ve not only been able to save money toward a college degree, but I’ve also been able to get ahead on my college education.”
Gutierrez started taking dual enrollment courses such as English, government and college algebra as a sophomore in high school, and with intentions to attend a university in San Antonio after he graduates, he said this opportunity means a lot to him.
“TSC has helped me get one step closer to my goals of pursuing a career in the health field,” he said. “I now know what to expect as a college student and I’m grateful to HCISD and TSC for giving me this advantage early on.”
Ashley Young, a high school senior at Harlingen High School South, said what is inspiring about TSC’s dual enrollment program is that students get the chance to choose the paths that work toward their personal goals.
The 17-year-old plans on pursuing a career in biology and mathematics. She started taking college math courses and biology courses after her freshman year in high school, getting her closer to a bachelor’s degree in biology and forensics.
“Not only is it great that I’ve been able to get a head start on my college education at TSC, but my instructors have been wonderful teachers and mentors,” said Young. “They have been a great inspiration toward my career goals. As a first-generation college student, this is a big deal for both my family and me.”
The difference TSC is making in the lives of high school students across the Rio Grande Valley is why Myliss Parker, HCISD’s director of Advanced Academic Services, said HCISD has continued the longtime partnership with the college.
“TSC has continuously been able to meet our students’ needs,” said Parker. “We have a great partnership and we’re extremely excited for the doors of opportunity their pathways have provided for our students and their families.”
Parker said HCISD is excited to continue to expand its partnership with TSC, especially with its new technical program pathways.
Arambul said introducing new pathways has been a collaborative effort from leadership to instructors at TSC and everyone’s work has been invaluable to increasing dual enrollment recruitment and graduates.
“When we work together, we’re able to provide a service to these high school students that at the end of the day meets their educational goals and needs,” he said. “For many of the students we serve, this type of experience is crucial in showing them that they have what it takes to be a successful college student.”
TSC’s Dual Enrollment program is on track to increase enrollment once again this spring and graduate its largest dual enrollment class to date.
For more information about TSC’s Dual Enrollment pathways and services, visit tsc.edu.
