Tech
Prep
Rio Grande Valley
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Articulated Courses Open Doors for High School Students Every teacher certified for an articulated course opens a college door for her or his students. High school teachers who invest in the time to earn Advanced Technical Credit gain a tremendous advantage  When taught by teachers with ATC certification, the specific “articulated” courses enable students to accumulate college credits if their grade is 80 or above. Earning college credits in high school saves students and their parents significant tuition and book expenses. It also gives them a head start on their college plan. Tech Prep’s ATC training in September matched college instructors with 55 teachers of the equivalent high school courses. While a high school articulated course lasts two semesters instead of one college semester, the course content, reading, and scope of the material is the same and leads to the same objective. During the TEA-approved ATC training, the secondary and post-secondary teachers confer on the syllabus, textbook, and scope of material covered. The content-enhanced high school-level articulated courses are substantially equal to introductory college courses.  From media technology and accounting to engineering graphics, machine shop and computer maintenance, the 24 college equivalent courses are taught under various course names in the Valley’s high schools. The ATC training this year was limited in options and resulted in single year certifications because all TEKs for career and technical crosswalk are being rewritten. Next year all ATC instructors must re-qualify as well as possessing the related faculty qualifications Delia Leal, TSTC accounting instructor, told ATC teachers that the college accounting book, used by several high schools, has a companion website which is a great resource. Melinda Lara, who teaches accounting at PSJA High School, said her students were well aware of the college credits they could earn by getting good grades in the class. Her class is also the students’ first exposure to accounting. “They’re finding out if they like it before they become business majors in college,” she said, because accounting is mandatory for that field.  Although he has taught for 35 years, Adalberto Lerma came to ATC training for the first time to get certified in Computer Aided Drafting. He attended at the recommendation of the Economedes High School CT director. ”The kids I have are special needs. Some of them will go on to post-secondary courses,” he said. At the Administrative Procedures training, Elvia Silva , an instructor of TSTC’s Business Office Techniques classes, passed out samples of critical thinking exercises that college students are expected to work on. Teachers from Brownsville, Edinburg, Rio Grande City, PSJA and Roma circulated the textbook used at TSTC and reviewed the course description and the administrative tasks covered in the labs. Jazmin Gonzalez said her students ask, “Does it count for college credit?” They also find out that to earn that college credit they must take the full year and get at least a B.  Silva reported that students who have completed the articulated courses with certified teachers have learned the information expected from a college course. “We screen them, and they meet the standards; they know the stuff they should.” EXPO Provides Information and Experiences for Valley Students Harlingen High School student Heather Hearn went to the 2009 Education & Career EXPO knowing her career goal. “I’ve been wanting to be a radiologic tech for a long time.” What she had not anticipated was the immediate opportunity to work in her chosen field.  Volunteering becomes a great assist to students This year’s EXPO helped more than1,000 students from 28 schools investigate, explore and take important steps on their career pathways. The informational booths were grouped by career pathways–construction, health, law enforcement, military, public administration, technology, agriculture, and more. That enabled students to easily home in on their preferred or potential fields. The cluster of construction technology booth included dedicated contractors, trade groups and educational options. Contractors SpawGlass and CTO have hosted student summer interns. Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) promoted its apprenticeship program which includes paid on the job training. Two Valley high schools now offer the first year IEC curricula, giving future electricians a head start to a well-paid trade and an associate’s degree. The American Society of Civil Engineers explained that fun jobs--and very well-paid jobs--for engineers range from designing animal park exhibits and planning city bike routes to building dams that prevent flooding and conserve a region’s water supply.  The cluster of construction technology booth included dedicated contractors, trade groups and educational options UTB introduced high school students to its new Associate of Science in Architecture program. Edward Cuevas is among the 55 UTB/TSC enrolled in the first semester. I started in Mechanical Engineering and realized it wasn’t for me. I’m more into the design aspect,” he said. Excited by what he’s learning in the architecture program, Cuevas described it as challenging, which is a good thing. His instructor Erik Darbo Diaz encouraged him and fellow students to continue their drafting courses and get the certificate. “It goes hand in hand with architecture.” At the EXPO, students got hands-on simulations of driving heavy equipment and taking sobriety tests. At the VBMC LVN school booth, Samantha Pedraza, who graduated from high school several years ago, was finding out options for advancing in the healthcare field. “You see a lot of information here,” she said. Financial assistance programs covered a wide range. VIDA helps adults get a GED and go on to technical college. The Agriculture Research Service has a co-op program that aids students with tuition and books expenses while they work at ARS. Magic Valley Co-op offers scholarships to students who families use the co-op. The EXPO enabled each student to gather the information that would help them decide on an educational or career goal as well as lead them closer to achieving a satisfying future.   The EXPO enabled each student to gather the information that would help them decide on an educational or career goal as well as lead them closer to achieving a satisfying future EXPO Touts College, Careers
Students fill the building during EXPO More than 1,000 students representing 28 high schools from Brownsville to Zapata took home information about post-secondary education and career options after the Education & Career EXPO at TSTC. Students toured the campus September 17 and in the Cultural Arts Center mingled with representatives from a diverse group of about 50 agencies, businesses and occupations such as Best Buy, H&R Block, Magic Valley Electric Coop, Harlingen Family Dentistry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Su Clinica Familiar, the U.S. Border Patrol and military services. Several colleges and universities met with students in the TSTC Wellness & Sports Center throughout the event. “The event helped students open their eyes wider to better understand the many possible choices beyond high school,” said Dora Olivares, director of College Information at TSTC. “The kids received details about how to start the college admissions process and they were exposed to a variety of careers.”  Students gain information from experts. Jose Reyes, a computer-aided drafting teacher at San Benito High School, chaperoned a group of his students during the EXPO and TSTC tour. He received an Associate of Applied Science degree from TSTC in 1991 and he serves on the advisory board for the college’s Computer Drafting & Design Technology Program. Many of his students compete in SkillsUSA while representing SBHS, which has earned five medals at national SkillsUSA competition the past five years. “When students ask me about TSTC, I simply tell them it’s where I began preparing for my career,” he said. CDDT Instructor David Campos told the San Benito students that 95 percent of the program’s graduates gain employment in career fields such as architecture, engineering, surveying and global positioning systems. Taking CAD classes in high school is a good pathway into the program, he added, but the TSTC courses start with basic knowledge and hands-on skills. Drafting involves communication because product designs rely on technicians’ sketches and drawings before assembly, he said. There should be growing demand soon for new employees industry-wide, he added. In a CDDT laboratory next door, Reyes unexpectedly became reunited with two of his former students – Mando Villarreal and Edward Casas. After the surprise greetings and handshakes, Villarreal said that Reyes produces well-rounded students. Villarreal also said the CDDT Program at TSTC gives him valuable experience for work he does with his father’s air-conditioning business. After graduation in spring 2010, he plans to continue computerized drawings in the business field and explore higher education. Casas said that he chose TSTC due to its low cost and proximity to home, but after graduation from TSTC he might pursue civil or mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Texas A&M Kingsville was one of the universities and colleges participating in the event. Other postsecondary participants included South Texas College, the University of Texas-Pan American, the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and others. During the TSTC campus tours provided to support overall EXPO activities, Lab Assistant Ignacio Rodriguez helped students communicate with a talking computer built by TSTC students in the Computer Systems Management Technology Program. He recalled that one graduate sold a car to raise $6,000 in capital, which the alumnus invested in building a computer that he used to start a business. The CSMT Program also offers internships with the Texas Attorney General’s Office in Austin. The career field is highly competitive for jobs at all levels and the competition challenges students to excel, he said. Telecommunications Technology Chairman Juan Villarreal urged the San Benito group to carefully study college alternatives and gain a complete perspective about careers. Leading companies in the electronic voice, video and data industry pay about $60,000 per year to a college graduate after five years of experience, he said.  An alternative to college is discussed at the EXPO Major sponsors of the EXPO included TSTC, Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley Inc., Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, Associated General Contractors-Rio Grande Valley Chapter, Valley Baptist Health System, Harlingen Manufacturers’ Association, CTO Inc., PHCC of Texas, Dish Network, Holt CAT and RGV IEC Chapter.  Students test skills in a Holt CAT simulator S-TEAM Applications Due October 30 Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley has opened membership in its Tech Prep Support Team project. Tech Prep staff are available to assist school districts that wish to become involved in the S-TEAM project through memorandums of understanding. Education & Career EXPO Essay Applications Have been selected. Announcement made soon. There were 1,156 students from 28 schools in attendance for the eighth annual Education & Career EXPO on the TSTC Harlingen campus on September 17, 2009. The EXPO was a wonderful activity for exhibitors and participants alike! Early College High School Grant Opportunity Announced The Texas Education Agency has announced a new round of Early College High School grant opportunities. Here's some information that was provided to local P-16 Council representatives by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's P-16 Council Coordinator: Five Interns Win Rave Reviews at Rio Grande State Center Rio Grande State Center welcomed six Tech Prep interns in the Tech Prep Workforce Solutions Cameron ARRA-WIA program during the summer of 2009. The five young women have gained valuable work experience and insights into possible careers. The public health facility in turn gained skilled, motivated temporary employees who adapted quickly to the healthcare culture and even helped staff update their computer skills.  Brenda De Leon, an administrative assistant-intern in the superintendent’s office. Michelle Chavez, interning as a general office clerk at RGSC’s outpatient clinic, is a Santa Maria High School senior. She intends to go into medical biology or the medical lab field. In the fall of 2009, she will take dual enrollment classes in Calculus and English. Michelle has won high approval ratings from her supervisors for her willingness to tackle both jobs assigned to her and others she saw needed to done. She has translated informational signs into Spanish, processed and filed lab reports. She has particularly enjoyed working closely with the outpatient clinic lab and the phlebotomist. While she got behind the scenes in a healthcare setting briefly while job shadowing at Su Clinic Familiar, interning at RGSC is her first real job. Besides learning medical office skills, Michelle is teaching as well. She’s helped permanent employees in the outpatient clinic understand how to use Excel software to the point they can create their own files. “I like it here. The people are nice and make work more fun,” she says. Joanna Dragustinovis, who graduated from Santa Maria High School in 2008, is interning in the office like Michelle. For the last year, Joanna had been taking basics courses at TSTC in the Culinary Arts Program. Joanna, who is detail oriented, has worked with the RGSC dietician and attended nutritional classes for diabetics. “It’s very educational,” she says. “It’s helped me look at the field of nutrition from a different way” While making pastries continue to fascinate Joanna, she admits to being intrigued by several of the careers she’s been exposed to while interning. She helped the outpatient staff prepare the nutrition classes and also helped with presenting insulin use classes. A short stint in RGSC’s MH/MR unit even has her wondering about applying as a psychiatric assistant. Whatever the outcome, the career possibilities she is being exposed got her thinking about just what she wants to do.  Michelle Chavez is interning as a general office clerk while Joanna Dragustinovis is in the intern program for a second year. The other RGSC interns are Marisela Montero and Gabriela Valdez. The intern program helps some decide exactly what they want as a career while others find they want to research more before making a decision on their first career. Summer Intern: Juan "J.J." Mata  First Tech Prep ALA Interns Represent a Communications Breakthrough for Harlingen Businesses Tech Prep Board Names New Members and Revises Meeting Schedule The Tech Prep Board elected the following new Board members during its meeting in Weslaco today: ATC Training to Be Held September 16 Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley will be hosting an Advanced Technical Credit (ATC) Training on September 16, 2009, at Texas State Technical College Harlingen. Part I of the ATC training will not be provided, but is available on the ATC Program website (www.atctexas.org) and should be completed prior to attending the local training. Proof of completion of Part I training online will be required as part of the documentation for the September 16 session. Interning with a Building Contractor Helps Build a Future Harlingen High School South junior Rickie Smith interned at SpawGlass as an Engineer Assistant this summer under a Tech Prep-Cameron Workforce Solutions Cameron ARRA WIA project. His work with the Texas-wide building contractor tied in with his career goals of pursuing a degree in engineering at the University of Texas-San Antonio and possibly going into architecture.  Rickie Smith interned at SpawGlass Interns at Police Department Confirm Their Career Choice  HPD Officer J.D. Garcia, Jesselly Cavazos, Joe Rodriguez, Joe Navarro Intern Learns What a Veterinarian Does  Marisol Guerrero interned at Arroyo Animal Hospital Tech Prep Board to Meet on August 20 The quarterly meeting of the TPRGV Board of Directors is scheduled for 12 noon on Thursday, August 20, 2009. Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., to Speak at Lower Rio Grande P-16 Council Meeting on September 22 Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., will be the featured speaker when the Lower Rio Grande P-16 Council meets, as follows: Tech Prep Board to Meet on August 20 The quarterly meeting of the TPRGV Board of Directors is scheduled for 12 noon on Thursday, August 20, 2009, in the Board Room of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, 322 South Missouri Avenue, Weslaco, Texas (http://www.valleychamber.com/contact.shtml). Monica Ortiz and Melissa Kilgore Say Teachers Like to Learn  Monica Ortiz, Business Computer Information Systems teacher at Harlingen High School, learned a few things herself this summer. She became a Tech Prep intern at Burton Industries and discovered first-hand what technical skills her students need in today’s job market. Ortiz has created at least three lesson plans that refer to the insights she gained in her summer job. One will involve creating a standard Collection letter as a Word document. Since Ortiz performed sales audits and cash analyses, she will also have students develop Excel spreadsheets that work with average sales per salesperson and other data. “I want to have the kids understand the goal of the business, and the things they have to track to stay in business,” she said. On the other hand, given her experience with office software, Ortiz recommended the industrial supplier upgrade to a comprehensive sales and inventory system. That would cut down on paperwork and save the store money. Ortiz also brought 16 years of retailing experience to Burton Industries. “I was eager to put my merchandising skills to work,” she explained as she tidied the shelves of hydraulic connections and supplies. When Ortiz began her internship, she didn’t feel productive. But she soon learned how to assemble hydraulic hoses. “I realized that measurements are very important. If you’re off a fraction, it won’t work. So, I can emphasize in an Excel exercise the importance of accurate measurements.” Ortiz began going out on afternoon deliveries to businesses and saw how the delivery person is also a salesperson. At the end of the day she often talked to the store manager or CEO Richard Vaughan on what she’d observed, particularly about opportunities she’d seen that could improve the company. “I offered a customer’s viewpoint and fresh set of eyes,” Ortiz said. Manager Jesse Zuniga said he was happy to have Ortiz working with him. “She was very helpful at everything, and willing to give us her ideas to help make the company better It’s a great program, the internship. I would do it again. It’s a win-win-win.” The Tech Prep teacher internship program was funded by the Harlingen Economic Development Department. The program is part of a regional Academic Leadership Alliance Summer Educator Internship program that operates through a partnership of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Region One Education Service Center, and Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley.  Harlingen High School counselor Melissa Kilgore got hands-on experience working at various positions while an intern at Country Inn & Suites during the summer. The internship is resulting in Power Point presentations for her students on the problem-solving, organizational and communication skills they will need when they join the workforce. To be successful takes more than just showing up she said. "You have to define your objective and how you are going to accomplish it." Flying High with ALA, Really Arlene Garza-Garza, Human Resources manager for Gulf Aviation, discovered an effective way to introduce high school students to local careers in aviation: she acquired a counselor as a summer intern through the Academic Leadership Alliance (ALA), which places teachers and counselors in the workplace to allow them to gain insights into the skills employers now demand from employees. “This is a way to make ourselves known and lets students know the variety of careers that are available,” Garza-Garza said. The possibilities include aircraft technologists or mechanics, line service technicians, administrators, and pilots. “All those careers can be started at TSTC and lead on to a broader range of certifications and options.”  Michelle Gonzalez sat next to the pilot and flew a plane during her ALA internship at Gulf Aviation in Harlingen Students Will Benefit from Teachers’ ALA Experiences Two Valley educators had totally different experiences as summer interns in Tech Prep’s ALA program, yet the results were equal. Both teachers came away from their immersion in the business world working brimming with lessons plans that introduce students to real-world applications of their class work.  Carlos Olvera, interning with Brownsville Community Development, discovered that social responsibility is an integral part of allocating public funds. Carlos Olvera, an accounting and international business teacher at Brownsville’s Rivera High School, worked with the Brownsville Community Improvement Corp. “I got an overall perspective of what the corporation does,” said Olvera. Besides auditing accounts, he attended workshops on obtaining grants for the city, including one on funding and preserving battlefield sites. Olvera learned that BCIC must examine the most appropriate, socially responsible use of the money they receive, taking into account cultural, green, and revenue-generating factors. “You need marketing and social skills, vision and creativity,” when allocating public funds, he said. BCIC’s two-person office had to leverage its funding using matching grants to make their money go as far as possible, whether for building a sports complex or expanding a museum. Olvera plans to bring the real world to his students by having them use financial calculators to support financial decisions about land purchases, for example. His students will be challenged to explore the best alternatives for investment of public monies and the return on investments.  As an intern at Dish Network, Patricia Guajardo (in black) learned how excellent customer service helps a company grow and its employees to advance Patricia Guajardo, a media technology teacher at Harlingen High School, interned at the Dish Network Call Center, which employs over 800. “I’ve learned so much and I’ve enjoyed every minute,” she said. She was impressed by the five-week training new hires go through and by the relentless emphasis on customer service. “One of my lesson plans has students produce and edit an employment ad for Dish Network,” said Guajardo, who admitted being overwhelmed at first by the sheer volume of information she gathered. She decided her classes will also do a commercial on the difference between good and bad customer service. The teacher became aware of the many possibilities to advance to management for young people hired at Dish Network. She also saw an emphasis on quality assurance and maintaining workforce morale and excitement. “The agents all work as a team. In order to succeed they have to know how to work together.” The ALA experience was a real eye-opener, Guajardo said. “The one thing I have learned is that my students have to have soft skills. They need them on the job.” Matthew Cohen, Dish Network manager, agrees that people skills and maturity are essential for his employees. That’s why he jumped at the opportunity to host a high school educator through Tech Prep’s ALA intern program. “I feel it is our responsibility to improve the workforce in the community since we’re such a large employer. What better way is there than to partner with the high schools and provide insights on what a call center is.” Matthew said call centers are one of the top five industries in the world. When people buy products or need technical support, someone has to take that call. Thanks to ALA (which originated as a partnership of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Region One Education Service Center, and Tech Prep of the Rio Grande Valley), students from Harlingen and Brownsville will be better prepared to step into that world. |
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