BISD students learn about career opportunities at TSC-hosted expo

In partnership with the Brownsville Independent School District, Brownsville Economic Development Council, Workforce Training Cameron, Texas Southmost College hosted the Heavy Metal Tour and Manufacturing Expo on April 27, 2017 at the TSC ITEC Center in Brownsville, Texas. From left, BEDC Interim President Jose Herrera, Workforce Solutions Executive Director Pat Hobbs, City of Brownsville Assistant City Manager Michael Lopez, TSC Vice President of Student Services and Director of Admissions Alejandro Salinas, BISD Career and Technical Education Interim Administrator Adrian Dorsett and TSC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Workforce Training Melinda Rodriguez.

Before an audience of over 200 Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) high school students, on behalf of the City of Brownsville, Assistant City Manager Michael Lopez proclaimed April 27 Brownsville Manufacturing Day to kick off the second part of the Heavy Metal Tour & Manufacturing Expo at the Texas Southmost College (TSC) ITEC Center.

In an effort to create awareness of the manufacturing industry and career opportunities in the region, TSC, BISD, Brownsville Economic Development Council (BEDC) and Workforce Solutions Cameron collaborated with six local manufacturing companies and coordinated student tours of local manufacturing plants on April 26 and on April 27 hosted the expo at the TSC ITEC Center.

"This is a historic day for our community," TSC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Workforce Training Melinda Rodriguez said. "We are joining our collective resources to cultivate a new era of careers in advanced manufacturing. We want students from the Brownsville Independent School District to become aware that manufacturing careers and training for those careers exists here. Partnering with our economic and workforce development partners the BEDC and Workforce Solutions Cameron is also critical to helping students learn how to access the resources they need to pursue careers in these industries."

During the expo, BISD students had the opportunity to meet with local manufacturing companies such as CK Technologies, Portage Plastics, Plitt Crane & Rigging and Brownsville PUB, as well as hear personal stories from speakers in the industry such as Rene Capistran, President of Noble Texas Builders, and Gerardo Martinez of Rich's. Students also had the opportunity to interact with current TSC science, technology, and engineering students and instructors, as well as representatives from TSC's Office of Admissions and Dual Enrollment.

"The tours of the plant and the expo are going to open the eyes of our students," said BEDC Interim President Jose Herrera. "Brownsville has a lot of offer and they have to be exposed to the opportunities so that they are aware what is available for them once they graduate, the importance of staying in school and continuing their education after high school to better prepare them for the workforce."

About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor's degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers over 50 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.