Harlingen Collegiate High School

Harlingen CISD unveiled its latest addition to the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program—an aviation program. The announcement took place during a press conference at Valley International Airport on February 20.

The Harlingen CISD Aviation Program will offer two new certification opportunities for students, which include a drone certification and a private pilot’s license.

“Career and Technical Education has essentially changed in the past 15 years,” CTE Director Dr. Raul Alvarez said. “We used to have homemaking classes and woodshop, but now we have morphed and changed into pathways and courses that are career ready, college ready, and prepare our students for their futures.”

The aviation program will start in 9th grade where students will begin with Principles of Transportation. In 10th grade, students will take a drone certification course where they will have a chance to get an FAA Part 107 certification. In 11th grade, they will start with aviation ground school, and in 12th grade, they will begin flying lessons.

“Beginning in 11th grade, we will transport our students from the high schools over to where Mr. Garib has his Valley Wings flight school,” Dr. Alvarez said. “In 12th grade, they are going to take 40 hours of flight training with him. Ultimately, in the end, these students will be able to fly solo.”

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda shared her enthusiasm for the program.

“I’m so excited for the opportunities our students are going to have here in HCISD,” Sepulveda said. “I just can’t say enough about Dr. Gonzalez. I am excited for his leadership because it does start from the top. And of course, you have an amazing board that gives you the opportunity to reach your potential to provide this opportunity.”

Superintendent Dr. J.A. Gonzalez closed the press conference with an inspiring message.

“Harlingen CISD is leaning forward to put every kid in a position to excel,” Dr. Gonzalez said “This is just an example, and we’re just getting warmed up. We’re going to have a lot more groundbreakings, a lot more ribbon cuttings, and a lot more coming our way to put kids in a position to excel. To everybody here, I strongly believe with all my heart that you are here for a reason. I know that that reason is that you love our students, you love our district, you love our city—and because of that we’re unstoppable.”