By Marisol Villarreal

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College have signed a joint admissions agreement – called “STC 2 UTRGV” – which will create an easy pathway for STC students to transition to UTRGV.

Through STC 2 UTRGV, STC students who are not yet eligible for admission to UTRGV will be able to earn university credits while developing the academic skills necessary for admission to UTRGV.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the STC 2 UTRGV agreement is yet another pathway that area students can follow in getting a quality higher education.

“This is another step in providing more access for our students in the Rio Grande Valley so they can succeed not just in the present, but also in the future,” Bailey said during a press conference today to announce the agreement. “This takes us to a whole new level.”

The STC 2 UTRGV program is slated to begin this academic year, with the first class entering the program in Fall 2023. All students need to do is complete the ApplyTexas Admission application, and work with the UTRGV-STC Outreach Representative to ensure all requirements for the program are met.

STC President Ricardo Solis said the STC 2 UTRGV program is an important one for the community.

"We’re looking forward to this innovative relationship,” Solis said, “and we’re going to put all our resources together.”

Aissa Rodriguez, an STC transfer student and UTRGV graduate, is now a UTRGV/STC transfer outreach representative.

Rodriguez was able to begin her college career at STC and have more than 40 credit hours under her belt by the time she transferred to UTRGV, she said. At UTRGV, she completed a bachelor’s degree in Biology and walked across the graduation stage to accept her diploma in early May this year.

“We wanted the students to have an easier process into their education, without them having to make constant applications to UTRGV or to STC,” she said. “Now, this joint relationship will make it a lot easier for them, regarding the admissions process, scholarships and much more.”

An updated website regarding the new program will be online soon. Students who are interested in taking part should speak with their academic advisors for more information.