Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College, with funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and awarded by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, received a $2.8 million National Institute of Standards and Technology grant to increase digital capabilities for its students.
“Thanks to this grant and Henry Cuellar, it is possible for South Texas College to continue upgrading and transforming the college to be in the 21st century in terms of technology,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis. “At STC we are already working to increase digital capabilities for our students. We are making strides in closing the digital divide.”
This grant will allow the college to increase internet service across all STC campuses, STC Vice President of Information Services, Planning, Performance and Strategic Initiatives David Plummer, E.D., said.
“We’re leveraging our funds and what others are doing to expand on our technical and digital infrastructure,” said Plummer. “Our goal is that our students will have the best quality infrastructure that supports their learning and academic goals. This grant is going to help us make this possible.”
The grant was awarded to colleges and universities in 29 states and four territories, including STC.
“Internet connectivity is critical for education, and this federal investment for South Texas College will ensure its 30,000 students have the broadband internet access they need to learn, communicate and access educational information as they work towards their degrees,” said Congressman Cuellar. “As we dive further into the Digital Age, the value of reliable internet access for our students cannot be overstated. In Congress, I will continue to fight for South Texas College and our students. Thank you to STC President Dr. Ricardo Solis and Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez for working with me to secure this federal funding and enable our students to unlock their fullest potential.”
In addition to expanding broadband and internet access across all STC campuses, the grant will also upgrade fiber-optic connections between STC’s Starr County and Mid-Valley campuses, convert connections from analog to digital at the Mid-Valley campus and Information Technology Hub, install new desktop software across all campuses and provide internet hotspots for at least 350 students.
“This funding continues to reiterate South Texas College’s commitment to nurturing innovation and creating opportunities. Our priority, like that of Congressman Cuellar, has always been to invest in our human capital, our most valuable asset,” said Benavidez. “As we venture into the digital world and metaverse, we will help continue to ensure that our students and residents have the capacity and tools to share their talent with the world.”
Plummer said with this grant, STC can develop and implement upgrades and new technology at a much faster pace.
“This grant is the right fit for what we are doing,” he said. “It’s been quite the process, but with collaboration and support from our leadership and Board of Trustees, we’re making these advancements happen for the success of our students. The goal is to break the digital barrier.”
