Mega Doctor News
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Texas Southmost College (TSC) is proud to announce the launch of the 2024-2025 STRONGER Out-of-School-Time (OST) Initiative. This initiative is designed to empower students in grades 9-12 through workforce training and mental health support, made possible through funding from the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act under the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Program, also known as the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (Texas ACE).
One of the greatest realizations that a high school student can come to is determining what career pathway is right for them before they even set foot into a college classroom. As part of this initiative, they will now have the opportunity to connect with industry-aligned certifications and hands-on career preparation through TSC’s Workforce Training and Continuing Education (WTCE) division. It is an opportunity for students to explore their futures, develop professional skills, and build confidence in their abilities.
Texas Southmost College is proud to partner with local Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) high schools through Texas ACE Centers in this student-focused initiative, helping them develop the crucial skills and confidence needed to successfully navigate their futures.
“This initiative goes beyond traditional education by equipping students with the tangible skills that lead directly to career opportunities,” said Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, Director of TSC’s Texas ACE program. “By integrating mental health support and workforce development, we are preparing the students not just for jobs but for lifelong success.”
Rolling out across five BISD high schools, The STRONGER OST Initiative will provide students with early exposure to career pathways, bridging the gap between high school education and postsecondary opportunities, helping them gain industry certifications to increase job prospects, and integrating mental health resources to accommodate student needs and help them reach their goals.
Students participating in the initiative will have the opportunity to work through a tier-based learning framework, giving them access to career exploration through worksite tours and hands-on activities, as well as career preparation through certification programs. In the future, the program hopes to integrate even more components, such as internships and apprenticeships, into its framework. This will provide students with even more real-world experience in the fields which they are studying toward.
Each participating high school have selected certifications based on student needs, ensuring careful alignment with local workforce demands:
TSC ACE Center – Hanna Early College High School: Patient Care Technician (PCT)
TSC ACE Center – Lopez Early College High School: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
TSC ACE Center – Porter Early College High School: Welding/OSHA 10
TSC ACE Center – Pace Early College High School: Private Security Officer Level II and CPR
TSC ACE Center – Rivera Early College High School: Welding/OSHA 10
“We sincerely thank Sarah Daly, Texas 21st CCLC State Coordinator and Expanded Learning Project Manager at the Texas Education Agency, along with the performance coaches, for their guidance and expertise in strengthening expanded learning opportunities,” added Dr. Tipton. “The program has received overwhelming support from the participating BISD high schools, as administrators, teachers, and students all recognize the life-changing potential of these career-focused opportunities that are now available.”
