Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
In a continued effort to minimize the digital divide in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College and AT&T recently hosted its third distribution of laptops to 100 deserving students in Starr County.
“Today’s distribution of 100 laptops is a labor of love and will help our local students succeed in school and in life,” said STC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D. “Having digital skills and a connected device has never been more important, and we are delighted to be part of this effort that will better equip our student community. We are grateful to our partners at AT&T for joining us in hosting three successful laptop distributions this year, helping at least 300 STC students.”
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 libraries to complete assignments, quizzes and exams.
The 100 refurbished laptops distributed during the event are part of an AT&T and Human-I-T initiative and commitment in addressing and solving a digital disparity, all part of the national AT&T Connected Learning Initiative.
“At AT&T, we are all about creating connections and our goal is to get more than 25 million people connected by 2030, all part of closing a digital divide and building a world-class network,” said Mario Barragan, the director of External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T. “More than $12 billion has already been invested, with nearly $10 million invested here in Starr County, to provide a network that is fast and reliable, but this is only the first step. The next is providing the technology and equipment you need to make this connection possible. We hope that today’s distribution plays a pivotal role in your journey. These laptops are a vehicle that helps you stay on the path of achieving your educational and employment goals. We look forward to many other initiatives like this with STC in the new year.”
STC Automotive Technology student Ammel Zamora said before receiving his laptop from STC and AT&T, he was sharing one with his brother and mother, posing a challenge.
“It’s been challenging having three people share a laptop, but I’ve never let that be an excuse. I still always finish my assignments on time,” said the 19-year-old. “Having this new laptop though, is going to make reaching my educational goals easier. I’m so grateful for this blessing. Thank you so much STC and AT&T for this opportunity. It’s an early Christmas.”
His mother Graciela Zamora said she was ecstatic to learn that her son was chosen as a laptop recipient.
“This is a happy time for us, especially for him. We only have one laptop for our entire family, and I know he faces challenges when it comes to completing his work, although he doesn’t complain,” she said. “The way the economy is right now we just can’t afford to purchase a new one, so this is a great help. This is a great opportunity for every student here. I’m excited for all of them.”
STC Trustee Rose Benavidez congratulated every student like Zamora for being in the room and proving that they have the “Ganas” to do better.
“We know that there are challenges and a desperate need to be connected to the college and each other, a challenge that goes beyond the connectivity of our phones,” said Benavidez. “Phones are great, but to do your assignments and complete projects, laptops make the effort so much easier. Therefore, we needed to find a way to equip you with the technology you need, because each of you, sitting in this room, have the ganas to come to school and the spirit to do better for yourselves, your families and your community. I’m grateful to AT&T for continuing to allow us to provide you with this relief.”
Relieved to have a new laptop through this partnership was STC Nursing student Jasmine Campos, who said this affords her more quality time with her family.
“Pretty much every day, I’m at the computer lab in the library in the evenings studying and completing homework. I do what I can to make sure I get everything done,” she said. “But, with this laptop, I can now stay home with my husband and kids and have more flexibility when it comes to finishing my work. Thank you STC and AT&T for giving me this chance.”
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., called each of the three distributions hosted this year a momentous occasion.
“Our job is to help you succeed and our partnership with AT&T is allowing us to better serve you with the technology you need,” said Solis. “We are always working to provide the most relevant programs and technology and we’re happy to have been able to provide you with what you need to not only study but complete a certificate or degree. Students, you all are an inspiration, you make us proud.”
