South Texas College's (STC) Fire Academy will expand to its Mid-Valley Campus in Weslaco in January 2027, bringing firefighter training closer to Harlingen-area residents who currently must travel farther to attend the program.

The college announced the expansion Oct. 27, timed to the academy's 15th anniversary. STC said the move will give students in the Mid-Valley and surrounding communities greater access to firefighter training while helping meet demand for qualified professionals in the region.

The academy has trained nearly 500 students over those 15 years, according to STC. Many now serve fire departments across the Rio Grande Valley and Texas.

"We have students from the Mid-Valley area who are already traveling to attend the academy in Pharr," Victor Valdez, STC's Public Safety Programs department chair, said in the announcement. "Expanding to the Mid Valley Campus allows us to serve more students and remove some of the barriers that can make pursuing this career difficult."

The program has reached capacity at its current home, the Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence Campus in Pharr, with students placed on waiting lists, according to STC.

Classes begin in January

STC's Fire Academy program page lists a Mid-Valley start date of Jan. 19, 2027, with an application and agility test deadline of Jan. 5. A concurrent cohort at the Pharr campus carries the same dates.

The Mid-Valley Campus sits at 400 N. Border in Weslaco.

Daniel Montez, the Mid-Valley campus administrator, said in STC's announcement that the expansion "creates another strong pipeline for cities throughout our area to recruit qualified, well-trained firefighters who are prepared to help protect our communities."

Academy builds on 15 years of training

The academy started in portable buildings at STC's Technology Campus before moving to the Pharr facility, according to STC. It now uses virtual reality equipment and a live-fire training facility, and partners with local fire departments and school districts.

Students who complete the Fire Academy can apply their coursework toward an Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Science, according to STC. The program prepares students to take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) firefighter license examination.

Admission and enrollment

Applicants must first be admitted to South Texas College and complete a separate Fire Academy application.

STC's published requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, meeting citizenship or permanent residency requirements and passing a physical fitness assessment. Criminal history restrictions also apply.

The physical agility test includes a 2,000-meter rowing assessment.

A tuition exemption is available for eligible students already employed as firefighters or active members of qualifying volunteer fire departments under Texas Education Code Section 54.353.

STC says it is accepting applications. Prospective students can call 956-872-4200 for more information about enrollment.