ZAPATA – Residents in this South Texas town normally have to travel at least 56 miles to get a college education.
But on Wednesday, Aug. 9, higher education representatives were in this town to offer a preview of exciting things to come for the benefit of this community of about 5,000.
Faculty and staff from Laredo Community College and Texas A&M International University were at the Zapata Community Center to host College Night, a unique opportunity for citizens to get on the path to a brighter and prosperous future with a college education. Representatives from the South Texas Workforce Development Board also were present to inform the public about their workforce training services.
“About 350 persons of all ages attended College Night,” explained LCC South Provost Francisco Martinez Jr., who will be heading LCC’s initiative to offer college courses in Zapata.
He said the effort to have a large group of LCC faculty and staff at this event is a great investment for the future of this community.
“Guests were able to ask about and discuss, in length, concerns about admissions, enrollment and other issues with college representatives,” Martinez said. “Having college-wide representation facilitated referrals to the appropriate personnel for immediate answers.”
Inquisitive minds kept college staff on their feet as they answered a myriad of questions, ranging from student financial aid to program information.
“Every effort is being made to bring LCC courses to Zapata, and we hope that the Zapata community will embrace these efforts and take full advantage of our services,” Martinez noted.
Earlier in the day, leaders from LCC and the Zapata County Independent School District christened a wing of the new Zapata County Higher Education Advanced Technology Center to launch a facility for Zapatans to acquire a college education or learn new technology skills.
The ZCHEATC is a collaboration being led by ZCISD, LCC, TAMIU, the County of Zapata, the Zapata County Chamber of Commerce and the South Texas Workforce Development Board.
For more information about LCC’s initiative to offer college classes in Zapata, call the office of the LCC South Provost at 794-4002.
Laredo Community College Computer Technology Department Chair Luciano Ramon offers information about various occupational trades programs to a Zapata mother and her daughter.
A mannequin from an LCC allied health program catches the eye of a young passerby who attended College Night in Zapata.
A Zapata family attending College Night is intrigued by the innovative technology on display as computer electronics technology lab coordinator Everardo Perez looks on.
Dianna Miller, dean of health sciences at LCC, listens to a Zapata resident who is interested in pursuing training for a career in the college’s nursing and allied health departments.
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