STC’s five campuses serve residents of two counties on the U.S.-Mexico border. Founded in 1993, STC awards applied baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and certificates. As an economic development catalyst, STC helps lead the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative.

STC is a federally designated Hispanicserving institution. In Fall 2009, 93% of STC’s 26,340 students were Hispanic, 74% were under the age of 24, and 40% received Pell grants. Most STC students are the first in their families to attend college.

In 2010, STC’s college readiness strategies received special recognition in the Leah Meyer Austin Institutional Student Success Leadership Award competition.