Banking on Experience: TSC Pre-Apprenticeship Students Visit Texas Regional Bank HQ

Students in Texas Southmost College’s Banking Pre-Apprenticeship program had the opportunity to obtain a unique glimpse into both the variety of different bank operations and their future careers courtesy of Texas Regional Bank on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Pictured Left to Right: Cesar Suarez, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer , Memphis Trevino, Noah Martinez, Cesar Lucio, Joe Gonzalez, and Jason Leal, Executive Vice President, Chief Branching & Responsibility Officer.

Students from Texas Southmost College’s (TSC) Banking Pre-Apprenticeship program, directed by Luis C. Mascorro, TSC Director of Workforce Training and Continuing Education Apprenticeships, marked a key milestone in their educational journey with an exclusive visit to the Texas Regional Bank (TRB) Headquarters in Harlingen and McAllen on Thursday, May 1.

Organized by Diana G. Delaunay, senior branch sales officer at TRB, the visit immersed students in the inner workings of the financial sector and provided meaningful opportunities to engage directly with bank leadership. The experience offered students valuable insight and inspiration as they explored the different paths in banking and finance, giving them a glimpse into the environment in which they hope to cultivate their careers.

The full-day experience offered students a firsthand look at professional banking operations, from teller transactions to executive-level decision-making. Banking operations encompass the day-to-day functions that keep financial institutions running, including customer service, account management, compliance, and transaction processing. Understanding these operations is essential for anyone pursuing a career in finance, as they form the backbone of trust, efficiency, and regulatory integrity within the banking industry.

The Banking Pre-Apprenticeship program was created to provide high school students with meaningful access to the banking industry through hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and professional mentorship. “The goal of these programs is to provide students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to pursue stable, rewarding careers in finance by building a direct bridge between education and employment,” said Mascorro.

This unique occasion was made possible through the collaboration and support of Texas Regional Bank, Brownsville Independent School District, Erika Sikes, the Texas Bankers Association, Brent Cox, and the Texas Bankers Foundation. Their joint efforts transformed a vision into reality, empowering students with real-world exposure and a clear path toward success in the financial sector.

For more information on apprenticeship programs such as this, please contact Luis C. Mascorro at 956-295-3858 or [email protected]