Texas Border Business
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.”
For more information about STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/manufacturing/.
Information source: STC
