(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Did you know that Texas State Technical College educates students in both time zones of the state?
Socorro Independent School District, the second-largest school district in El Paso, offers dual credit courses through TSTC’s Sweetwater campus. Several of the district’s automotive students recently toured the campus, and many applied to continue their education in the fall.
“Our goal was to show the students where they are receiving the dual credit education,” Albert Gonzalez, a career and technical education (CTE) instructor at Socorro High School, said. “The tour gave the students a chance to see what college life is about.”
The dual credit partnership started forming in 2021 with a focus on TSTC’s Automotive Technology program. After several visits to El Paso, including instructor and lab credentialing and discussions with the school district’s leadership team, the program launched in 2023, according to Rene Ralston, senior manager of TSTC’s Office of College Pathways and Enrichment.
“Four instructors and three high schools were credentialed, leading to the enrollment of 52 students who began their junior year,” Ralston said of the Automotive Technology dual credit pathway.
Those students are now seniors and appreciated the college opening its doors for the two-day tour earlier this month. Students visited the Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology and Welding Technology labs, where hands-on activities were provided while instructors discussed the curriculum.
“It definitely feels like a good community to be in,” Athena Marquez, who attends Americas High School, said.
Nathaniel Ibarra, who attends El Dorado High School, said he liked the instructors’ approach to teaching.
“They do not talk to us like we are kids. They talk to us with a lot of respect,” he said. “I can see that everyone is very caring about the students.”
Israel Cortez, who is also a CTE instructor with the school district, said the dual credit students learned an important fact during the tour.
“After the tour, the students learned that they are already ahead of the game when it comes to college,” he said. “That is why I keep pushing them to do their best. They will be able to go to college and get a degree.”
To cap off the tour, Beau Sessums, service director at Arrow Ford, discussed career opportunities with the students while offering them some advice.
“Take pride in what you are part of,” he said. “That is how you become successful.”
TSTC expanded its dual credit offerings in 2024 with Digital Media Design. Ralston said TSTC will offer Diesel Equipment Technology and Welding Technology dual credit classes this fall at Socorro ISD.
“The partnership with Socorro ISD has been incredible,” she said. “And with the momentum we’ve built, there’s no stopping us now.”
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
