Recommendations for a Learning/Articulation Center that will Contribute to Harlingen’s Future Economic Prosperity A Presentation to Mayor Chris Boswell and Harlingen 100 Committee Heads By Jo Rae Wagner, President, CTO Inc., and Chair, Harlingen 100 Education Task Force Updated September 10, 2009

Education Task Force Report Education Task Force created in late 2007 with three major goals: Organize the committee (completed--over 30 full time members). Address workforce shortages (completed) Establish in Harlingen a university articulation and learning center that supports TSTC’s continuing growth and development and enhances community upper-level education services available through TSTC.

Program for Tech Prep Plumbing Apprenticeship In Progress: putting plumbing apprenticeship in the high schools with continuation to TSTC for an associate degree through a Tech Prep program of study design. We have a meeting at TSTC on September 21, 2009 to convince the State Board of Plumbing Examiners to accept the classroom time in lieu of some of the 8,000 hours that are now required to apply and take the journeyman test. If we are successful, we could start classes in By starting this program in high school, we hope to discourage kids dropping out because they don’t see college in their future plans. We have ignored these kids too long and need to see that they also have a clear and successful future.

University Center Model: Lone Star College MITC Lone Star College created a center that is the model Harlingen used. Lone Star College center is located at 3232 College Park Drive The Woodlands, Texas Lone Star College center is a Multi-Institution Teaching Center (MITC) that we are using as a reference for what we will need for a functional and up-to-date Center. We are also working with consultants to make sure the facility is state of the art.

Lone Star College MITC (University Center) (cont.)

Lone Star College Partners: Prairie View A&M University Sam Houston State University Texas A&M University Texas Southern University University of Houston University of Houston - Downtown Prairie View A&M University Sam Houston State University Texas A&M University Texas Southern University University of Houston University of Houston - Downtown

Overview of Proposed Harlingen Articulation & Learning Center The Harlingen EDC approved funding. The TSTC Board has approved a Minute Order for the concept of having the City build the facility and have the college run the operation—TSTC donated the land, City will build. Funds by EDC are secured. TSTC is pursuing University affiliations to participate in the program and so far several have already signed agreements to use available TSTC spaces until center is built.

Overview of Proposed Harlingen Articulation & Learning Center Center will include dedicated classroom/ laboratory facility of approximately 30,000 square feet as well as an interactive, video- conferencing system connecting college/university partners. We have a meeting with a firm to oversee the project. Design Build will be the method of construction and should progress rapidly now that planning and building site are secure.

Overview of Proposed Harlingen Articulation & Learning Center Partner universities will offer courses necessary for students to complete baccalaureate, master’s, and other graduate degree programs. Operational costs of instruction, facilities, and services provided will be shared pro-rata by the universities based on enrollment. Technology and telecommunications will be used to interconnect and deliver student support and learning services.

Standards for quality of degrees offered and awarded will match standards at partner colleges/universities’ home campuses. Diverse multi-level higher education institutions will work together to make a difference for students, businesses, and the community. Harlingen’s workforce skills will be enhanced, contributing to continuous improvements in Harlingen’s economy and quality of life. Overview of Proposed Harlingen Articulation & Learning Center

30,000 square-foot building Located on the TSTC campus City-college contract for operations Proposed initial partners (preliminary): Purdue University (construction) UTB, UTSA, UT-Austin (various) Texas A&M - Kingsville (various) Our Lady of the Lake University (various)

In Conclusion City, county, and regional economic development are vital to our future, and work in progress supports that growth. All of us are responsible for preparing a bright future for the next generation. Establishing the planned Articulation & Learning Center on the TSTC campus will give Harlingen “The Best of Both Worlds” with no taxation. Our young will have the resources to get the best education in their field of endeavor.