BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Thirty-five high school and middle school counselors representing 10 Rio Grande Valley educational partners participated in the third annual Texas Southmost College Ambassador Conference held July 14-16, 2026. Attendance has more than doubled since the conference’s inaugural year, reflecting growing interest in the program and its value to educational partners.
Hosted by TSC’s Division of Student Services, the three-day conference gave counselors an in-depth look at the college’s academic programs, workforce training opportunities, dual credit pathways and student support services. The event strengthened partnerships between TSC and its educational partners while providing counselors with information to help students make informed college and career decisions.
“Counselors leave with updated program information, a stronger understanding of intentional student planning and pathway development, and greater awareness of the academic, wellness, accessibility and engagement resources available to support student success,” said Ruth Torres, Director of High School Programs & Services at Texas Southmost College.
The conference opened at the ITEC Center, where counselors explored health care career pathways, including Nursing, Respiratory Care, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Technology and Radiologic Technology. Participants worked alongside faculty and practiced clinical assessment skills in the Nursing Simulation Lab, gaining firsthand experience with the learning environments students encounter throughout their programs.
On the second day, counselors visited the Fort Brown Campus to learn about resources available through Counseling and Student Accessibility Services, Tutoring Services and the Digital Library. They also toured the TSC Game Room at the Oliveira Student Services Center and the TSC Recreation Center, gaining insight into the wellness and student engagement opportunities available on campus. A campus tour and historic ghost tour introduced participants to key locations and the college’s rich history.
The conference concluded at the ITEC Center with interactive career and technical education experiences, including Construction, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Electrical Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics and Automation (AMRA). During the AMRA sessions, counselors built Bluetooth speakers and FM radios. In HVAC, they constructed tunnel projects demonstrating airflow and ventilation concepts, while Construction participants built three-tier wooden shelves. Attendees took their completed projects home as examples of the experiential learning opportunities available to TSC students.
“The conference was intentionally designed to move beyond traditional presentations by immersing counselors in the same learning environments our students experience,” said Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, Associate Vice President of Educational Partnerships and Outreach at Texas Southmost College. “When counselors engage directly with faculty, participate in hands-on activities and gain a deeper understanding of our academic pathways and student support services, they are better equipped to help students make informed college and career decisions through intentional student planning.”
In addition to the projects completed during the CTE rotations, participants received TSC Ambassador certificates and swag bags recognizing their involvement in the conference.
Counselors from Brownsville ISD, BRYSS Academy, Harmony Public Schools, Jubilee Academies, Los Fresnos CISD, Port Isabel ISD, PossAble, Rio Hondo ISD, San Benito CISD and South Texas ISD participated in the conference.
Equipped with expanded knowledge of TSC’s academic programs, student support services and campus culture, counselors returned to their schools better prepared to guide students as they explore college and career opportunities and consider continuing their education at Texas Southmost College.
