Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
A retired oil field worker and cancer survivor, Cosme Escobedo is a Construction Supervision student at South Texas College who was struggling with an outdated and broken laptop, but recently, STC and AT&T gave him a brighter outlook with a refurbished computer, as he works to graduate this December.
Recently the STC Foundation, AT&T and Human-I-T joined forces again to fight the digital divide in the Rio Grande Valley, with a recent laptop distribution at the college’s Mid-Valley campus.
A total of 100 STC students, like Escobedo, were preselected prior to the event, to receive a refurbished laptop, provided through AT&T’s Connected Learning Initiative.
“I’ve had some tough years. I broke my neck and recovered, discovered I had cancer and went into remission, and I’ve returned to school and struggled to do my homework because of the lack of working technology, but STC and AT&T have answered my prayers,” said Escobedo. “This laptop means more to me than anyone will ever know. It’s a symbol of hope and motivates me to not only graduate but continue my education after graduating. This is my opportunity and I’m seizing it. Thank you, STC and AT&T. This is a huge blessing.”
AT&T, a Dallas-based telecommunications company, which is now the largest wireless carrier in the U.S., is committing $5 billion to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030, and partnering with school districts, universities and colleges like STC to provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
“Today’s distribution of 100 laptops will help our local students succeed in school and in life,” said Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., STC vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. “Closing the digital divide among our students and community is one of STC’s top priorities and aligns with our mission of creating a college-going culture for our region. Having digital skills and a connected device has never been more important, and we are delighted to be part of this effort, with AT&T, that will better equip our student community.”
The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition reports that less than half of the households in the RGV have access to broadband internet, which also limits access to technology and educational resources.
“Today’s event is part of AT&T’s nationwide commitment to help bridge the digital divide and we are proud to work with Human-I-T and South Texas College to provide 100 refurbished laptops to students in the Weslaco community,” saidMario Barragan, director of External Affairs and Legislative Affairs for AT&T Texas.
Students were selected to receive these laptops based on need. Those selected were on the list of students who regularly borrow laptops from STC’s Mid-Valley Library to complete assignments, quizzes and exams.
Samantha Lopez, a student in STC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, is in her first year of college, but said it has been challenging not having her own laptop.
“I’m grateful to STC because I’ve been able to borrow a laptop from the library making it possible for me to study and complete my work, but this, giving me a laptop – this is remarkable. I can now finish my midterm exams,” she said. “Now, I can return my borrowed laptop and give another student a chance to use it. I’m so grateful to the STC Foundation and AT&T for giving me this opportunity.”
Brenda Garcia, mother to STC Cybersecurity student Darian Garcia, said this laptop distribution was a testament to STC’s commitment to students.
“This was such a great surprise,” said Garcia. “We’re a family on a budget and tools like this are vital, but expensive. It’s difficult buying them. However, this gives us peace of mind knowing that he now has what he needs to graduate and start a successful career. We are extremely appreciative for this opportunity, and I want to thank the STC Foundation and AT&T for being so thoughtful and supporting students, like my son.”
This was the second in a series of distributions to STC students. The first was held on the Pecan Campus in McAllen and a third distribution will be held in early December in Starr County.
“This is a great day…these are resources that are incredibly necessary,” said STC Foundation Board Chair Yvonne “Bonnie” Gonzalez. “This partnership allows us to continue creating educational equity. The RGV is furiously growing. There is so much opportunity in our region and education is the steppingstone to get us there. So, from the STC Foundation we want to thank everyone who made this possible. With our partners, the sky is the limit.”
For more information on STC’s Foundation or to become a donor, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/foundation/
