Cybersecurity student Bradley Dalpaz didn’t expect his Amarillo College internship to take him out of the office and into open fields — or into a future job offer.At Ama TechTel, Dalpaz, a computer science major, worked entirely in the field, installing low-voltage wiring, troubleshooting outdoor processors, and even checking temperatures at a Bitcoin mining farm in White Deer — where it could hit 155 degrees. 

High school students, parents, and anyone exploring higher education opportunities will have a unique chance to connect directly with colleges and technical training schools from across Texas and the nation at the Amarillo Area College Fair, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 at AmTech Career Academy, 3601 Plains Blvd.

When Jacqueline Mendoza first enrolled at Amarillo College, she was a business major without a clear career direction.“I didn’t really know where I was going from there,” she said. “Then I got into technology and computers because my dad already does some stuff with that. The more I got into the classes, the more I liked where this was going.”

Amarillo College’s Panhandle PBS will welcome leaders from all 10 PBS stations in Texas for a two-day statewide meeting on Aug. 6–7.In addition to station managers, the leadership team of Texas PBS will also attend. Guests will travel from Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, College Station, Lubbock, El Paso, and Midland to take part in the discussions.

Amarillo College is now accepting students for the Fall 2025 Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses, which begin Aug. 25 at AC’s First Responders Academy (FRA) — a premier facility located on Plains Boulevard in Amarillo. To accommodate a wide range of students, including those who work, the program offers morning, afternoon, and evening class options.

Amarillo College’s Aviation program continues to soar — not only in reputation, but in real-world results, supplying a critical pipeline of workforce-ready talent to regional aviation companies like Haven Aviation Services Group.“Our Aviation Maintenance program is widely recognized for its strong partnership with Bell, which reflects the high standards we uphold in technical training,” said David Hall, dean of Amarillo College’s East Campus. “What’s equally exciting is the growing demand for our graduates across a broad spectrum of aviation employers. This program offers a direct route to a rewarding career for students with the aptitude and drive to excel in aviation repair and mechanics.”

Leila Daraei Ahwaz, originally from Iran, now proudly calls Amarillo home—a place where she rebuilt her life, raised her family, and found her calling.Her journey to the Texas Panhandle was anything but simple. In 2006, Leila left Iran with her husband and two children, pregnant with her third. The family spent eight months in Austria while awaiting legal entry into the United States. Her youngest son was born there.

Beginning this fall Amarillo College will offer fire protection technology courses with more flexibility. The courses, designed to earn an associate degree in applied science, are set up in an 8-week online format and tuition-free options. “These courses are more flexible than ever and provide great long-term career value for firefighters,” said Steve Malley, coordinator of the AC Regional Fire Academy. “We are continuing to make this program more accessible.” 

Amarillo College will host Dual Credit Days in Dumas and Hereford this month, inviting students and their families to learn more about dual credit opportunities.“There are so many questions students, and their families have about dual credit,” said Sandra De La Rosa, AC’s director of secondary partnerships and dual credit. “We want to help them navigate this excellent option for high school students by providing everything they need to enroll and take full advantage of the opportunity.” 

Dr. Fred Napp, an Amarillo College graduate and adjunct faculty member, will share some details about his career and sign copies of his book, Tales from the Ashes, at a book signing from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17 at AC’s First Responders Academy at 3891 Plains Boulevard in Amarillo.Napp’s career began as a volunteer firefighter in high school. The book draws on his experiences growing up in Dumas and on his 30 years of experience in fire and arson investigations across Texas.

Two locally produced documentaries from Panhandle PBS have been selected to air across Texas after being chosen by a panel of PBS staff representing the 10 public television stations in the state.The selected films— “The Rain We Keep” and “Broken Bread: Examining Senior Food Insecurity in the Texas Panhandle”—were chosen from 15 submissions for broadcast. 

Amarillo College will administer physical ability testing for anyone seeking admission to the AC Fire Academy at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, Aug. 2 at the First Responders Academy (FRA) at Plains Boulevard. Passing the physical ability test, which consists of simulated fire-scene activities, is among the requirements for admission to the Fire Academy.

Cash prizes will be up for grabs once again at Chalk It Up, the summertime sidewalk art contest at Amarillo College that has attracted crazy-good creations every year since its inception in 2017. Online registration is now open for the popular annual event, which takes place Saturday, July 26 on AC’s Washington Street Campus.

Amarillo College will be one of few community colleges in Texas to earn alliance status with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor.AC President Jamelle J. Conner will formalize the alliance status at a signing set for 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26 at the Innovation Outpost at 1220 S. Polk Street in Amarillo. 

Culture, technology, and religion will be center stage during Amarillo College’s Chautauqua this fall. The Chautauqua series is a follow-up to AC’s Two Cultures series from last year.“There are so many questions in today’s world about being human as it relates to those around us and the technology we use,” said Dr. Robert Fulton, AC Chautauqua coordinator and associate professor of humanities. “This forum we started with last fall’s lecture series gave our community an ideal opportunity for learning and discussion, much like the original Chautauqua more than 100 years ago.”

The newest cadets, who have completed months of intensive training in preparation for careers in firefighting and emergency response, will graduate from Amarillo College’s Regional Fire Academy this weekend.The graduation ceremony will take place at noon Saturday, May 10 the AmTech Career Academy at 3601 Plains Blvd., in Amarillo. Family, friends, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of these future first responders.

Samantha Wilhelm knew Amarillo College would be a good place to start but only intended to stay a year. Two years later, Wilhelm earned her associate’s degree and will join Amarillo College’s Class of 2025 graduates at Commencement Friday, May 9 at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum."Since I was homeschooled, I thought the size and atmosphere at AC would make it a good place to start,” she said. “I have loved the environment here.”

Ester Perez can hardly wait to take her mother on the road with her as a traveling nuclear medicine technologist for those on their own cancer journey. Perez fought her own rare cancer in her 20’s and is now set to join Amarillo College’s Class of 2025 graduates Friday, May 9.Perez remembers scan days as some of the hardest in her experience and knows her work in nuclear medicine can make a difference.

High school students from throughout the Texas Panhandle are expected to converge on Amarillo College’s East Campus to showcase their work and compete for prizes at the Top of Texas Career & Technical Education Expo.The event is today (May 1) and Friday, May 2. The East Campus is located at 1502 B Ave (google maps AC East Campus Building V).  

High school students interested in a career in education or the liberal arts are set to attend Amarillo College’s Next Experience today(April 28) at Dutton Hall on AC’s Washington Street Campus. “Don’t miss out on this opportunity to jumpstart your teaching career,” said Rochelle Fouts, AC instructor of education. “We look forward to welcoming you to Amarillo College and helping you make the transition from high school to higher education.”