Extra-curricular activities are an important component of education across America; the Valley is no exception. Spectators of high school sports - especially Friday night football - are every bit as fanatic as followers of college or pro sports. Hundreds of opportunities are available to support local kids, like attending plays, musicals, concerts and livestock shows, where 4H students and Future Farmers of America show their wares.

A unique academic experience awaits those students who wish to be a part of the ambitious and acclaimed South Texas Independent School District. This magnet program consists of three high schools catering to students wishing to pursue special careers. The South Texas High School for Health Professions prepares them for medical careers. The Science Academy, working in conjunction with Baylor University and Rice University, opened its doors in 1989. The Teacher Academy is a newer magnet school that opened in the 1993-94 school year. More information on Rio Grande Valley public schools can be obtained from the administrative offices of the respective school districts, or on a Valleywide basis from Region One Education Service Center, 1900 West Schunior, Edinburg, TX 78539. (956) 984-6000.

The area also offers a number of private schools affiliated with Protestant or Catholic churches, as well as secular private schools. For example, Montessori education is available through junior high school in Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen, whose Discovery School is the largest Montessori school in South Texas. The Marine Military Academy in Harlingen is the only college preparatory school in the country based on the customs and traditions of the United States Marine Corps. It draws its students from all over the United States and some foreign countries. They also offer one year of post-graduate training. College-bound students have the choice of attending several institutions of higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley.

For 30 years, Texas State Technical College in Harlingen has been preparing South Texas graduates for careers. It now offers students more than 30 different technical study programs in fields related to business, health care, computer technology, electronics manufacturing, and industrial service. In addition to programs of career study, the college also offers general education courses, which are fully transferable to four-year universities, and Adult Continuing Education courses. Programs range from one to two years, awarding graduates either the Certificate of Completion or the Associate of Applied Science degree. The 112-acre campus includes housing for approximately 400 students of the 3,500 students. (956) 364-4000.

The Valley’s newest institution of higher education is South Texas Community College that has locations in McAllen, Rio Grande City, Weslaco and Mercedes. It offers academic and technical courses leading to an associate degree, plus preparatory courses that can transfer to four-year colleges and universities. When the doors opened in 1993, the college had 1,000 students and offered only certificates and associate of applied science degrees. This spring’s enrollment was over 10,000, making it by far the fastest growing community college in the state. Students may now select from associate of art and associate of science degree programs. (956) 631-4922.

The Valley’s largest institution of higher education, The University of Texas-Pan American, located in Edinburg, is growing all the time, with a current enrollment of 12,000 students in 47 bachelor’s programs. The 70 year old university, the state’s 10th largest, has added four-year degree courses in mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering along with an associate degree in nursing. A four-year nursing degree is also offered. In addition to nursing curriculum, a four-year Bachelor of Science degree is offered in healthcare administration and medical records.

UT-Pan American also offers 34 masters degrees, including degrees in anthropology, art, psychology, and social work. Doctoral programs are offered in education leadership and international business in cooperation with The University of Texas at Austin. The university continues to add new degree programs to meet the needs of the area. A new engineering building and a new science building are among the latest additions. UT-PA’s music, art and theater programs are major additions to the cultural life of the area. The University Folkloric Dance Company and the University Mariachi musicians bring the lively music and dance of Mexico to Valley stages, across the U.S. and even Canada. Sports fans enjoy the basketball games of the Pan American Broncs, Lady Broncs, as well as Broncs baseball. UT-PA: (956) 381-2100.

The University of Texas at Brownsville, in partnership with Texas Southmost College, offers the best of both a community college and an upper level university. UTB/TSC serves more than 8,000 students in degree and certificate programs and about 3,000 in continuing education courses. Its state of the art facilities include a $24 million Science and Engineering Technology Building. (956) 544-8200. Its Center for Continuing Education offers classes ranging from non-credit personal enrichment courses to certificate programs in personal computing, management, correctional officers’ training and travel careers. The center moved in 1995 and greatly increased its offerings. For their Continuing Education catalog: (956) 384-5900.