New Donna ISD welding shop is a beacon of opportunity for students

Donna North High welding students no longer have to get bussed to Donna High for their classes with the addition of a new state-of-the-art welding welding facility right on their campus.

Unveiling the facility with a grand opening on Tuesday, Donna ISD Superintendent Angela Dominguez, the school board, faculty, staff and the students that will be using the facility were in attendance.

The new welding facility is about 2,300 square feet and has about 15 welding booths that can accommodate up to 30 students at a time.

Jacob Balderas, the Donna North High welding instructor, said they are still working to fully furnish the facility but said this will be big for students because bussing students to Donna High cuts into class time.

“We have everything we need,” Balderas said. “We don’t have to go anywhere and our kids can stay here comfortably and work on their certification.”

Students enrolled in the welding program have the opportunity to earn up to 29 college credits through South Texas College and gain industry-recognized certifications. This comprehensive approach prepares graduates for immediate employment or continued education in the welding field.

Balderas said the course currently only accepts 25 upperclassmen with a wait list of about 100 underclassmen waiting to get into the course in the following years.

“It’s exciting to know that there’s kids that are excited about their future and they want to improve on that,” he said. “This shop is a beacon of hope in the community. This year, I noticed a lot of hard working students. They started at an early age. Their parents get them to work at an early age … I honestly, truly believe that through this shop and through the instructors we can actually help our students be career ready and help improve their life and their family’s life.”

Aissa Sanchez, a senior in the welding course, said she joined the class because she wanted to try something that not many of her female classmates dive into.

“Other girls just go to cosmetology or nursing and I wanted to try something,” Sanchez said. “I really like (the new facility) and it’s more comfortable than being outside and going back and forth (to Donna High).”

Planning to join her uncle who works further north in the welding field, she said her uncle is proud of her pursuing a welding career.

Kevin Lopez, another senior in the welding course, said he is really excited to start working on projects in the new facility.

“I’m just really proud that they came forward and made this facility possible for us,” Lopez said. “This is great for kids like us that can do something with their lives and pursue their dreams.”

Lopez plans to look for welding jobs after graduation and continue his welding education at STC.