Strong industry ties, faculty leadership, and student support fuel historic success

South Texas College’s (STC) Construction Supervision program continues to gain momentum, celebrating its largest graduating class to date during the college’s May 10 commencement. According to faculty, more than 25 students earned associate degrees and certificates in the field—marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.

Program leaders say the surge in graduates reflects a broader trend of growth and increased investment. In the past year alone, STC’s Construction Supervision program has more than doubled its course offerings and experienced a remarkable 187% growth in enrollment—a sign of both student interest and employer demand.

“This milestone is a testament to the strength and relevance of the Construction Supervision program. Graduating our largest class to date reflects not only the hard work of our students, but also the dedication of our faculty and the growing confidence of industry partners in the quality of our graduates,” said Construction Supervision Department Chair Javier Reyes. “These students are stepping into critical roles in the field, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”

Students See Pathways to Careers—and Business Ownership

For many students, the Construction Supervision program at STC has become a launchpad for real-world opportunities. Graduate Jasson Alvarez credited the program with giving him the practical skills needed to succeed in the construction field.

“This program has become a great resource that has helped me learn how to run a job site and construction project as well as how to manage the people,” Alvarez said. “It’s all about where to go, how to build it and address mistakes, and most importantly learning how to work as a team to build something great.”

Fellow graduate Jan Mireles said the program helped him develop a foundation in construction while also sparking his long-term ambition of launching his own business.

“This program has helped me network as well as meet new people and learn new things that will help me in the field. I’ve had the opportunity to build while I was here, which has been the greatest thing as I look into what’s ahead in the future,” Mireles said. “We help each other in this program to get better. I would love to come back to STC in the future and continue my education. I would just like some experience in the field first. I would like to learn more about all the safety regulations that will help me with the roofing company I plan to start in the future.”

Industry Support Elevates Student Opportunities

STC’s Construction Supervision program also recently celebrated a series of scholarship and tool awards that underscore the community’s commitment to workforce development. This year, 20 students received more than $7,000 in scholarships and tools to support their educational journey.

LP Building Solutions contributed $5,000 to 14 students, while Brex Commercial Door provided eight toolkits—valued at $250 each—for a total of $2,000 in equipment for students completing their certifications or degrees.

“The Construction Supervision program has done such a great job and it’s evident that the program does everything it can for students,” said Ruby Melgoza, office manager at Brex. “We like that we can be a part of that and to witness the increase of students who are looking to join this industry. It’s growing and we are glad to see that, and we look forward to seeing it continue to expand.”

Faculty member Israel Medrano emphasized the importance of these partnerships in driving student success and fostering real-world opportunities.

“We’re working to continue the progress and meeting with our advisory partners to allow us to visit their job sites and enable internships for our students, which can then lead to full-time careers,” Medrano said. “This has led to more support for the program including scholarships for students. We continue to grow, and I have a lot of people who are still calling to partner with us, which is what the students need. It’s the students who need the help.”

The continued collaboration between STC and local employers is helping to close the workforce gap while preparing students to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled construction professionals. As more students graduate into well-paying jobs, faculty say the program's growth shows no signs of slowing down.

For more information on STC’s Construction Supervision program, visit: www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction

Originally reported by South Texas College News.