Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) awarded South Texas College the Lumina Foundation Grant in the amount of $10,000.
SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in southern states including Texas.
The grant is intended to advance South Texas College’s efforts to provide Competency–Based Education (CBE) baccalaureate programs for students.
CBE baccalaureate programs will help increase the number of individuals with postsecondary degrees by providing access, affordability, and success in the attainment of high-quality, postsecondary credentials.
South Texas College currently offers two CBE bachelor degree programs with the Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer Information Technology.
The grant will assist the institution in converting six out of 10 upper-level courses in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Technology Management program from traditional to competency-based courses.
This means that students in competency-based courses can test-out of a number of classes and graduate sooner, saving both time and money.
South Texas College Dean of Math, Science, and BA Programs, Dr. Ali Esmaeili says the grant will accelerate student’s ability to earn a 4-year degree in a shorter time frame.
“Students at South Texas College have the opportunity to gain extremely affordable, accessible, and accelerated bachelor degrees. Students who are veterans or those who work or have a limited time can take advantage of these programs,” said Esmaeili. “South Texas College is a baccalaureate-granting institution and a pioneer institution offering affordable bachelor degrees in the state of Texas.”
The grant aligns with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s 60x30TX Strategic Plan that calls for 60 percent of the Texas population between the ages of 25-34 to obtain a degree or certificate by the year 2030.
Funds from the grant will be used to provide stipends to faculty members who will be converting courses from traditional to CBE format at the college.
“This grant will allow staff from South Texas College to network with other grantees across the nation that are also expanding educational opportunities for students through similar projects,” said Director of Grant Development, Management, and Compliance, Dr. Virginia Champion.
The funding period of the grant will be from April 13–Dec. 31, 2018.
 awarded South Texas College the Lumina Foundation Grant in the amount of $10,000. ){kind=link}