Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
MCALLEN, Texas – Garver USA, an employee-owned engineering, planning and environmental services firm presented the Architectural Engineering Design and Technology (AEDT) department at South Texas College with a check in the amount of $725 to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives.
Speaking from her own experience, Erica Mata, Garver Design team leader and an engineering design and technology alumna, presented the award at a packed house comprised of students, staff and faculty.
“The grant will help organizations and institutions like STC with everything from utilities or even supplies that can help expand student knowledge,” said Mata, who graduated from the college in 2010. “Supporting knowledge and opportunity for students is vital for the company, and it’s important to let them know that Garver is capable of getting involved locally. Along with internships and grants, people need to know that they don’t have to leave the Valley to get involved with engineering.”
The grant will be used to support a variety of STEM initiatives in the program which can include technology, workshops or hands-on training for students, according to program faculty.
“There is a lot of software training that goes into the program, and along with that there is a lot of industry technology that students need to have an introduction to so when they do start their careers, and they enter companies like Garver, they have the basic foundational knowledge they need to be successful,” said Laura Salas, Architectural Engineering Design Technology program chair and associate professor. “This is so impactful. The information that students get from working professionals in the field is vital because they offer something students can relate to. All it takes is a spark that gives them the motivation to do something that will make a difference in their lives.”
Architectural Engineering Design Technology student Oscar Sandoval said hearing from Garver representatives served to open a world of opportunities awaiting him once he graduates from STC.
“Hearing from professionals working in the field really calmed my nerves because I’m sure I speak for most students when I say we don’t really know all that awaits us in the field,” Sandoval said. “Hearing about experience and how they started off and got through, really helps to understand what we could possibly go through as well.”
The AEDT program prepares students for employment in architectural, visual and civil engineering technology industries.
Courses are wide-ranging and include a variety of disciplines including architectural and civil drafting, layout and design, current knowledge of building standards, as well as state-of-the-art software applications used in industry.
For more information about STC’s Architectural and Engineering Design Technology program, please visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/aedt/ or call 956-872-6118.
