The fifth commandment is designed to keep parents sane by giving children a principle to guide their behavior and attitudes toward their parents. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By Carey Kinsolving and Friends
“Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids,” read a sign in Brussels, Belgium.
Or, as author Jean Kerr wrote, “The real menace in dealing with a 5-year-old is that in no time at all you begin to sound like one.”
The fifth commandment is designed to keep parents sane by giving children a principle to guide their behavior and attitudes toward their parents. I asked my friends to tell me how they honor their parents. If their behavior matches their answers, their parents are not only sane but very happy.
“I honor my parents by giving them hugs and kisses. I also honor them by buying them TCBY treats,” says Angela, age 10.
Frozen yogurt with hugs and kisses! If TCBY could package this combination, its stock would soar.
“I obey my mother and father by getting up in the mornings as sweet as pie,” says Kaitlin, 7.
I’m still working on this one. When I wake up, I’m grateful if I don’t hurt myself by tripping over the furniture.
Kaitlin also said, “When the Bible says your days will be longer (if you honor your father and mother), it means you will live longer.”
In a society obsessed with living longer, how many doctors recommend honoring parents? God promises a long life to those who honor their parents.
“I honor my parents by obeying,” says Christine, 10. “Like when they say to get them some water, I do it. I treat them like a king and queen.”
I’ll bet Christine’s parents treat her like a princess. It’s so easy to take parents for granted. Can you imagine a society where the Bart Simpson attitude wasn’t glorified? Why imagine when it’s within your power to be gracious to your parents instead of disrespectful? They’re not perfect, but neither are you.
“I love my mother and father,” says Gardner, 11. “They are the best. I try to obey them. I know they love me, and I love them.”
Something tells me that Gardner will never visit a psychiatrist’s office to find himself. Because he knows his parents love him unconditionally, he’s secure and able to love them in return. Love fosters love.
Years ago, I saw my friend Peter reprimand his 2-year-old son with a light tap on his hand. Following a gentle tap, his son began to cry.
The light tap hardly warranted tears. Suddenly, I understood and said to Peter, “Your disapproval hurts worse than the tap on the hand.” He nodded.
Only a father who loves his son can evoke such a response. This is the power of unconditional love.
God’s love for his children is akin to parents’ love for theirs with one very important difference: Even the best parents have flaws. God is perfect.
Jesus is the ultimate example of a son honoring his father. He listened to his Father’s voice and did only what he heard from his Father. His love for his Father and desire to please him was so great that he could say, “He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him” (John 5:23). Their will was one.
Obedience and honor are interconnected. The Apostle Paul wrote that Jesus humbled himself and “became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Point to ponder: God has promised to bless those who honor their parents.
Scripture to remember: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).
Question to consider: How do you honor your parents?
If you live in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties and were affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN – If you live in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties and were affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26-28, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance.
How To Apply for FEMA Assistance
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Ex: DRC 78552).
Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Within 10 days after applying, a FEMA inspector may contact you to schedule an appointment. To be prepared for the visit, please have the following available:
Photo identification.
Proof that you owned or occupied the house at the time of the disaster. Receipts for home repairs or replacement of damaged items.
“As originally issued, the standing order automatically enjoined the U.S. Government from removing or altering the legal status of any alien detainee who files a habeas petition in that district, regardless of the petitioner’s physical location.” –Senator Ted Cruz. Image for illustration purposes
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, yesterday sent a letter urging the Judicial Conference of the United States to immediately review a standing order in Maryland that blocks the federal government from deporting illegal aliens who file habeas petitions. The letter asks the Judicial Conference to review the order to determine whether it complies with federal law.
The letter sent to Judge John D. Bates, Chair of the Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Judicial Conference of the United States, was delivered ahead of a judiciary oversight hearing that Senator Cruz is leading today, June 3, 2025, at 2:30 PM. The hearing will examine how procedural devices—such as the standing order in Maryland—enable judicial overreach in ways that threaten the separation of powers and impair lawful executive enforcement.
Below are highlights and excerpts from the letter:
“As originally issued, the standing order automatically enjoined the U.S. Government from removing or altering the legal status of any alien detainee who files a habeas petition in that district, regardless of the petitioner’s physical location. The order is self-executing, requires no individualized judicial finding, and remains in effect for a minimum of two business days following the filing of each petition. In form and effect, it operates as a procedural rule of general applicability governing all future habeas filings.
“Moreover, the fact that the order was initially drafted with nationwide effect underscores the structural risks it poses. That a single district court judge assumed power to delay removals of detainees located anywhere in the country—without a record, hearing, or jurisdictional tether—raises substantial questions about Article III limits and judicial rulemaking authority.
“The real-world consequences are significant. Courts are increasingly asked to intervene in removal proceedings through emergency habeas petitions. One high-profile example is Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was deported to El Salvador in March 2025 despite a court order prohibiting his removal to that country. That case triggered interagency conflict, litigation in multiple courts, and an ongoing judicial inquiry. But Mr. Abrego Garcia is only one among many; the Department of Homeland Security is now executing a broad removal campaign under renewed executive directives, and filings are accelerating.”
Preserving the balance between public and private markets is crucial for fostering innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the U.S. economy. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce
For decades, businesses in the U.S. have had the flexibility to choose between raising capital through public offerings or private channels. This choice has allowed companies to select the path that best aligns with their capital-raising needs, investor interests, and market dynamics.
Public companies, which offer and sell securities to the general public and file mandatory disclosure reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), benefit from access to a larger pool of investors. In contrast, private companies, which are not subject to mandatory SEC filings, can raise capital through private channels, often enjoying greater operational flexibility.
The new U.S. Chamber report, Preserving and Promoting the Private Company Ecosystem, highlights the importance of maintaining this dual-path system, which has enabled generations of prominent companies to drive American job creation, economic growth, and innovation. It emphasizes that the ability to choose between public and private markets is vital for the competitiveness of the U.S. economy. Companies must have the freedom to decide whether to go public or remain private based on their long-term interests, shareholder value, and customer needs.
However, the report also addresses recent proposals by some policymakers to restrict the flexibility that companies currently enjoy. These proposals include subjecting private companies to disclosure requirements designed for public companies or even forcing private companies to go public against their wishes. Such measures could threaten growth, opportunity, and innovation in the American economy.
Key insights from the report include:
Flexibility in Capital Raising :
The report underscores the importance of allowing companies to choose the capital-raising path that best suits their needs. This flexibility has been a cornerstone of the U.S. capital markets, enabling businesses to thrive and adapt to changing market conditions.
Investor Protection and Disclosure :
The report explains the different risks associated with investing in public versus private companies and how these risks have guided disclosure policies. It highlights the need to preserve regulatory distinctions between the two markets to protect investors and maintain market integrity.
Economic Competitiveness :
The report argues that maintaining robust public and private markets is essential for the enhanced competitiveness of the U.S. economy. It warns against regulatory overreach that could stifle innovation and limit the ability of companies to raise capital efficiently.
Policy Recommendations :
The report provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to ensure that the U.S. capital markets remain dynamic and inclusive. It calls for preserving the regulatory distinctions between public and private markets and avoiding measures that could undermine the flexibility companies need to succeed.
Download Preserving and Promoting the Private Company Ecosystem Report Below:
Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than $481 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds were awarded for over 42,000 designated Texas teachers during the 2024-25 school year. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than $481 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds were awarded for over 42,000 designated Texas teachers during the 2024-25 school year.
“Teachers play a key role in the success of Texas students and our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “With this over $481 million in merit pay, Texas is awarding thousands of teachers from every corner of our state with the pay raise they deserve—putting them on a path to earning a six-figure salary. And soon, Texas will invest even more in teachers, providing permanent pay raises for experienced classroom teachers. With empowered parents, exemplary teachers, and exceptional academics, Texas is on a path to be No. 1 in educating our children.”
Since 2019, TIA has awarded over $1 billion to highly effective and impactful teachers across the state. Designed to keep Texas’ best educators in the classroom, TIA provides a clear pathway for teachers to earn a six-figure salary. Participating school systems saw an impact on recruitment and retention, particularly those that have built or expanded their designation systems to include all teaching assignments, like fine arts, special education and career and technology courses. An internal analysis from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) found that teachers who received a TIA designation were retained nine percentage points higher than their non-designated peers.
School systems participating in TIA determine teacher designations using data from classroom observations and student academic growth outcomes. Designated teachers who remain in classroom teaching positions generate annual funding for teacher compensation. Districts may include all teachers in the first year of their local designation system, or they may choose to start with a smaller number of eligible teaching assignments and expand their system over time.
Historically, TIA designations fell into three groups: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Under House Bill 2, a new designation band – Acknowledged – will be established, making more teachers eligible for the allotment. The legislation will also increase the allotment amount for Recognized, Exemplary, and Master designations.
“Working with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and leaders in the Texas Legislature, we delivered historic conservative legislation that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott celebrates the successful slate of conservative, pro-growth legislation passed in the 89th Legislative Session, keeping the promises made to Texans during his 2025 State of the State Address.
“Working with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and leaders in the Texas Legislature, we delivered historic conservative legislation that will benefit Texans for generations to come,” said Governor Abbott. “I look forward to signing these bills into law to make Texas stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever in the history of our great state.”
Working with the Texas Legislature, Governor Abbott delivered on constitutionally declared Emergency Items and key priorities that will benefit generations of Texans:
BRIGHTER TEXAS:
Launched the largest day-one school choice program in the nation
Invested a record $8.5 billion in new funding for public education
Provided a historic $4 billion for teacher and staff pay raises
Expanded career training education, especially in rural areas, with an additional $153 million so students can go directly into good-paying jobs
Passed the Parent’s Bill of Rights, putting parents back in charge of their child’s education
Banned DEI from public schools and universities
Codified that only two sexes—male and female—are recognized in Texas
Removed explicit materials from schools
SAFER TEXAS:
Made it tougher for violent criminals to get out of jail on bail
Prohibited parole for human traffickers who prey on children and people with disabilities
Invested over $3.35 billion in border security
Required all counties with jails to assist with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Banned the sale of Texas land to foreign adversaries like China
Established the Texas Cyber Command, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America
Required schools to report sexual abuse and misconduct
Invested in Texas’ rural and volunteer fire departments
Increased parental control for their child’s internet access
Improved the integrity of Texas’ elections
MORE POWERFUL TEXAS:
Dedicated a $20 billion generational investment in Texas’ water infrastructure
Created the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office to lead America’s nuclear renaissance
Established a nuclear energy workforce development program
Added $5 billion to generate more power for the electric grid
Increased reliability of the electricity supply chain to further secure the Texas grid
MORE PROSPEROUS TEXAS:
Provided $10 billion in new funding for property tax relief
Increased the homestead exemption for homeowners, senior citizens, and disabled Texans
Reduced business personal property taxes for business owners
Championed laws that create new jobs and spur business expansion
Raised attendant care wages for those who care for vulnerable Texans
Supported women and families with record funding for the Healthy Texas Women and Thriving Texas Families program
“Together with my colleagues, we worked to support our communities and strengthen the Texas economy. This session, I proudly passed 31 pieces of legislation, joint authored 111 bills that have been sent to the Governor, and secured millions in funding for important projects in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend regions.” — Senator Hinojosa
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By State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, June 2025
The 89th Legislature has finally adjourned. With only 140 days to address pressing issues every odd-numbered year, I take my responsibilities as a state senator seriously. Together with my colleagues, we worked to support our communities and strengthen the Texas economy. This session, I proudly passed 31 pieces of legislation, joint authored 111 bills that have been sent to the Governor, and secured millions in funding for important projects in the Rio Grande Valley and Coastal Bend regions.
When we began this session, key priorities were identified, including property tax relief, increasing teacher pay, and investing in water infrastructure. Governor Greg Abbott highlighted many of these as emergency items, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick added focuses on dementia research, artificial intelligence issues, and bail reform. Additionally, I worked on bills that addressed the specific needs of cities and counties in my district.
Several notable pieces of legislation passed this session:
Budget Bills: SB 1, the General Appropriations Act, is the state’s budget for the next two years. The approved budget is a total of $338 billion in All Funds and includes $149 billion in General Revenue Fund (state) dollars. The budget prioritizes public education, tax relief, public safety, infrastructure, and improved taxpayer services for both individuals and businesses while also making important investments to maintain Texas’ economic competitiveness. HB 500, the Supplemental Appropriations Act, adds an additional $13 billion to the current budget. Both SB 1 and HB 500 include significant investments for projects in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend.
Property Tax Relief: SB 4 increased the exemption for residence homesteads from $100,000 to $140,000 for school district taxation. SB 23 further increases the homestead exemption for disabled homeowners and those aged 65 and older by raising that exemption from $10,000 to $60,000 which amounts to a $200,000 homestead exemption. Additionally, HB 9 provided a $125,000 exemption from ad valorem taxation on tangible personal property held or used for income production to support economic growth. These property tax relief proposals are subject to voter approval in November.
Increasing Public School Funding: HB 2, a historic $8.5 billion in additional funding for public schools, establishes funding allotments for several educational programs, including a permanent salary increase for teachers and certain school employees, free pre-k for children of teachers, millions for school safety, funding for teacher literacy initiatives, and more. This legislation ensures millions of dollars are allocated to enhance educational services, improve teacher preparation, and support early childhood education.
School Discipline: HB 6 is a comprehensive reform to school discipline management to address classroom disruptions, emphasizing student safety and mental health support. Students facing in-school suspension still complete schoolwork in a different classroom on school grounds. The bill clarifies that those students must be under the supervision of faculty. The bill would allow schools to use out-of-school suspensions to discipline all students when they engage in “repeated and significant” classroom disruption. The bill includes expanding access to telehealth services and introducing virtual disciplinary programs, ensuring accountability and parental involvement.
Funding Water Infrastructure: HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate $1 billion per year of sales and use tax revenues to the Texas Water Fund for 20 years, starting in the 2028-29 Biennium. This funding will be allocated among the program delivery funds supported by the Water Fund through statute or concurrent resolution. Senate Bill 7 is linked to HJR 7 and will allocate a minimum of 50% of the Water Fund’s constitutionally dedicated funding to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund (NWSTF) and the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas (SWIFT). Additionally, it will enhance legislative oversight of the Texas Water Fund, improve statewide coordination of water supply infrastructure for better interoperability, clarify that the NWSTF can finance water imports from out-of-state, prioritize specific rural projects, protect freshwater aquifers, and preserve local control over in-state surface water rights. HJR 7 would still require approval by the voters through an election in November.
Drainage Infrastructure: SB 1967, which I authored and passed this session, paves the way for important funding opportunities for flood mitigation projects. The definition of a “flood project” has been changed to include projects that control and repurpose floodwater and stormwater for drinking and other uses to be eligible for funding from the Texas Water Development Board Flood Infrastructure Fund. The new law also authorizes projects that contain a flood component to be eligible for assistance from the State Water Implementation Fund and the Water Supply Account within the Water Loan Assistance Fund.
Bail Reform: SB 9 introduced stricter regulations to enhance public safety in bail procedures. This legislation mandates detailed reporting for pretrial programs and integrates public safety data systems to better track outcomes. SJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to require that bail be denied pending trial to a person accused of certain felony offenses. SJR 5 would still require approval by the voters through an election in November.
Addressing Deepfake Content: SB 20 creates a criminal offense for the possession or promotion of obscene AI-generated materials that resemble children. This law addresses the emerging challenges posed by technology to protect our youth. The offense would be a state-jail felony (180 days to two years in a state jail and an optional fine of up to $10,000), except that the offense would be enhanced for repeat offenders. This session, I authored and passed SB 441, which strengthens enforcement against the creation or distribution of deepfake media that falsely depicts individuals in sexually explicit situations without their consent. The bill also enhances criminal penalties for repeat offenders and those who target minors. It also provides clear legal remedies for victims facing the emotional and reputational harm of this exploitation.
Dementia Research Fund: SB 5 established the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to fund research on Alzheimer’s and other related disorders. SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the funding for DPRIT. If approved by the voters in November, $3 billion from the state’s general revenue will be allocated to fund research, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts related to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. DPRIT will award grants, support research institutions, and oversee the proper use of funds to advance therapies and prevention programs in Texas.
Life of the Mother Act: SB 31 does not expand abortion access but clarifies when doctors can exercise their medical judgment regarding life-threatening situations related to saving a pregnant mother’s life.
Firefighter and Wildfire Support: SB 34 mandates a study to assess wildfire risk zones and creates a real-time database of firefighting resources to improve response efforts during emergencies. The budget approved during the session includes $257 million for the purchase and operation of aircraft for wildfire suppression, $192.3 million to address the backlog for Fire Department Assistance, $124.8 million to cover the use of firefighting aircraft, and $135 million to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for regional operations facilities and emergency response support.
Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act: HB 18, known as the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act, would establish or make changes to several offices, programs, and services that administer or provide health care services to rural counties of the state. HB 18 would build upon existing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting rural hospitals while providing resources for critical areas, including rural obstetrics, pediatric behavioral health, financial training for rural hospital leadership, and rural collaboratives.
Homeland Security: SB 36 established the Homeland Security Division within the Texas Department of Public Safety to enhance coordination across agencies for border security and critical infrastructure protection.
These legislative victories, backed by millions in funding for our communities, reflect our commitment to the people of Texas. By working together, across party lines and communities, we can continue to address the needs of our citizens and pave the way for a brighter future. I am proud of what we accomplished this session and look forward to building on this progress during the interim and the next legislative session in 2027.
Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 150 into law to create the Texas Cyber Command, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America, during a bill signing ceremony at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Photo: Office of The Governor
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SAN ANTONIO – Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 150 into law to create the Texas Cyber Command, the largest state-based cybersecurity department in America, during a bill signing ceremony at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session, the Texas Cyber Command will leverage the cybersecurity expertise and resources of state, local, and federal partners in San Antonio to protect Texans against cyber threats.
“Our state is under constant attack by cyber criminals, attacks that occur thousands of times every single second of every single day,” said Governor Abbott. “Attacks often come from foreign actors from hostile countries like China, Russia, and Iran. They successfully attacked cities, counties, and government agencies in Texas, from Mission to Muleshoe. That changes today. I’m signing a law that creates the Texas Cyber Command. It’s ultimate mission is to prevent and protect against cyber breaches. Working together with the Texas Cyber Command, Texas will be on the path to be a national leader in cybersecurity.”
Funded through a historic $135 million investment, the Texas Cyber Command will:
Launch a cyber threat intelligence center to identify and repair weaknesses in state and local government systems and to train and educate users about preventing cyber breaches
Coordinate with governments on swift and effective responses to cyber attacks
Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to establish the gold standard for cybersecurity
Home to the second-largest concentration of cyber expertise in the United States, the Texas Cyber Command will be headquartered in San Antonio to partner with leading national cybersecurity missions, including the Sixteenth Air Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Southwest Texas Fusion Center.
The Governor was joined at the bill signing by Senator Tan Parker, Representative Giovanni Capriglione, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, Texas Department of Information Resources Executive Director Amanda Crawford, Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman F. Martin, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, and other elected officials and leading cybersecurity experts.
House Bill 150 (Capriglione/Parker) creates the Texas Cyber Command, a purpose-built agency in San Antonio whose mission is to defend, respond, and recover from cyber threats.
In his 2025 State of the State Address, Governor Abbott declared Texas Cyber Command an emergency item this legislative session.
Stacks containing $78,040 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge Port of Entry seized $78,040 in bulk, unreported U.S. currency.
“Our CBP officers continue to secure our borders, and their vigilance led to this significant currency seizure,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Outbound bulk cash seizures like these, often proceeds from illicit activity, help to further disrupt criminal enterprises by depriving them of their economic resources.”
The seizure took place on Friday, May 30, when CBP officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 31-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2018 BMW which was selected for a routine outbound inspection. In secondary, CBP officers discovered bulk U.S. currency totaling $78,040 hidden within the vehicle.
CBP officers seized the currency along with the vehicle, arrested the driver, and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.
South Texas College Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program recently announced that its first cohort comprised of 27 students have collectively received more than $62,000 in scholarships by GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation for the spring 2025 semester. STC image
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By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program recently announced that its first cohort comprised of 27 students collectively received more than $62,000 in scholarships by GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation for the spring 2025 semester.
This is the first time, in the program’s history, that GE has awarded more than $165,000 to the AMT program to benefit the students enrolled for the spring, summer and fall 2025 semesters, along with $500 gas allowances for each student awarded.
The award enables students to cover tuition, books and other expenses that will benefit them in acquiring a degree from STC.
“GE is interested in helping our community here in the Valley, especially the workforce community, and it has been such an honor to be among only a few schools in the United States to receive this scholarship,” said AMT Department Chair Erika Guerra. “I think many times what holds a student back is the uncertainty of how they are going to pay for a class, or the expenses associated with their degree, and it impedes otherwise talented students from getting into this industry, but I think they are surprised by what we can do for them if they come and see what we’re about.”
In partnership with GE, leadership with the program say they are making immense strides to reduce costs for students who are seeking inroads into the manufacturing industry by eliminating barriers for training and education.
“This is the first time we offer our GE Scholarship to our students, and it extends to those in Robotics and Mechatronics as well as in Precision Manufacturing,” Guerra said. “We want students be aware that we have these scholarship opportunities available and there is a very high chance that if they meet the criteria, it’s going to enable them to get their certificate or associate degree at little to no cost, which can then lead to all sorts of employment opportunities in our area.”
STC’s AMT program offers occupational skills awards along with certificate and associate degrees that can be completed in one to five semesters.
AMT is also the first in the state to earn an accreditation from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), which is the nation’s only American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited developer of precision manufactured skill standards and competency assessments.
“Providing training opportunities and reducing barriers for workers to gain skills are key to the future of the aerospace industry,” said Christian Meisner, GE Aerospace chief human resource officer and GE Aerospace Foundation chair, in a statement announcing the award. “But we cannot do this urgent work alone. It will take partners like the ones GE Aerospace and the GE Foundation are awarding, and we look forward to expanding on this work to support workers and the broader industry at this critical time.”
AMT student Victor Barrera is currently studying for his associate degree in Precision Manufacturing after recently receiving his certificate in Robotics and Mechatronics in 2024 and was recently a recipient of the GE scholarship.
Utilizing the award, Barrera said he is one step closer to entering a career in manufacturing and is looking at opportunities across the border in Reynosa, Mexico.
“I’m really grateful. It has been a struggle for me as I am constantly wondering how I’m going to pay for school, which is always a big financial burden that I take upon myself because I want to finish and get into the workforce,” Barrera said. “Instructors here in the AMT program really have encouraged me and helped me apply for these scholarships. Everyone in the program has been super supportive and it’s going to help me focus more on school rather than figuring how I’m going to pay for classes.”
