STC brings construction management program to Mid-Valley as demand grows

South Texas College is expanding its Construction Management program to its Mid-Valley Campus this fall, and its first classes at the new location are already full.

The program had previously been offered exclusively at STC’s Technology Campus. College officials said bringing it to the Mid-Valley Campus will make the program more accessible to students in Weslaco, Donna, Mercedes and surrounding communities, particularly those for whom transportation has been an obstacle.  

“For many, transportation became a barrier that prevented them from enrolling,” Construction Management Program Coordinator Samuel Saldana said in a news release Friday. “Bringing the program to the Mid-Valley Campus allows us to serve students throughout the area, and the response has been incredible. Our first Construction Management classes at Mid-Valley are already full.”

Building the region’s construction workforce

The expansion comes as construction activity continues across the Valley, creating demand for workers who can manage residential, commercial and industrial projects.

STC’s program trains students in project planning, estimating, scheduling, construction methods and safety. Graduates can pursue a variety of jobs, including construction manager, project coordinator, estimator, and supervisor.  

“We’ve offered this program for more than 10 years, and it has continued to grow every year,” Saldana said. “Our graduates work for local companies, national and international firms, government agencies and many even go on to start their own businesses.”  

The Mid-Valley expansion also puts construction management alongside technical programs already offered at the campus, including Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and Electrical.  

Mid-Valley Campus Administrator Daniel Montez said the addition gives students another route into the workforce without requiring them to immediately pursue a traditional academic track.

“Construction Management gives them the opportunity to develop marketable, career-ready skills in a relatively short amount of time while opening doors to long-term professional growth,” Montez said.  

Students can also use the technical training as a starting point for additional education. 

Montez said students can later pursue STC bachelor’s degree programs, including Operations Management, to develop the leadership and management skills needed to move into higher-level positions.

“This program fits naturally alongside our other workforce programs,” Montez said.