Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – With a priority application deadline approaching July 31, South Texas College and the city of Mission are encouraging eligible residents to apply for the Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) scholarship, which has helped thousands of STC students pursue higher education for more than decade.
Since MEDA began in 2013, more than 1,113 students have collectively received more than $2 million in scholarship funding, helping offset tuition and educational expenses while creating a stronger workforce for the city of Mission.
Applications are currently being accepted. Students are encouraged to submit all required documents by the end of July to ensure timely review for the fall semester.
“We have already received 559 applications and we are continuing to receive three to five new applications every day,” said Gustavo Garcia, coordinator of Scholarships and Outreach with STC’s Student Financial Services Office. “We want students to take advantage of this opportunity. The application only takes a few minutes, and we are here to help answer questions and guide them through the process.”
Eligible students may receive up to $3,200 annually depending on enrollment, and the scholarship is renewable if eligibility requirements continue to be met.
Garcia said the scholarship has benefited students across a variety of academic programs, particularly those pursuing careers in nursing, bachelor’s degree programs and technology fields where funding can also help cover required supplies, software and equipment.
For Mission resident Juan Flores, the MEDA scholarship made it possible to return to college and complete a goal that had been years in the making.
Inspired by his two sons’ academic success, Flores decided it was time to finish what he had started. His oldest son has already earned a bachelor’s degree, while his youngest is about a year and a half away from completing his own.
Currently employed as a network technician, Flores is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems at STC with plans to advance into project management and eventually earn a master’s degree focused on cybersecurity management.
Wanting to set an example and achieve a long-held personal goal, Flores returned to STC to continue his education.
“The MEDA scholarship helped me tremendously,” Flores said. “It allowed me to come back to school and finish my degree. My sons encouraged me to continue my education, and this scholarship made that possible.”
Flores said he always takes the opportunity to encourage others in Mission to apply.
“If this scholarship helped me, it can help someone else. You have nothing to lose by applying,” he said.
Teclo Garcia, Mission Economic Development Corporation chief executive officer said the MEDA scholarship remains one of the organization’s most significant investments in developing the city’s future workforce.
“It (MEDA) is one of Mission EDC’s most impactful workforce investments,” Garcia said. “Every scholarship recipient represents future talent that will strengthen our businesses, industries and local economy. By investing in our students today, we are building the skilled workforce that will drive Mission’s continued growth tomorrow.”
To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the city of Mission, have completed at least six credit hours at STC with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and enroll in a minimum of six credit hours.
Financial Services Coordinator Gustavo Garcia encourages students who may not currently meet eligibility requirements to apply in future semesters once they qualify.
“The opportunity is there,” he said. “If you need that extra assistance, reach out to us. We want to help students succeed, and this scholarship is there to help them continue their education and invest in their future.”
For more information about MEDA or to apply, visit studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/finaid/scholarships/meda.html.
