Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College is reinforcing its commitment to expanding student support services, which are designed to remove barriers preventing learners from completing career-focused programs and entering the job market.
Attending STC’s recent Business, Public Safety and Technology Division (BPST) meeting, President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. and Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., STC vice president for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs, along with BPST Interim Dean Joe Vela agreed that preparing students for employment requires more than classroom instruction.
Leadership said a combined focus on workforce training and extra support reflects STC’s commitment to student success beyond graduation. STC has to make sure that students are ready to meet industry needs and make sure they reach the finish line.
“Employability is the college’s top priority,” Solis said. “Our goal is that when the students leave here, that they are hired. This is what we do. We meet the needs of industry and bring the skilled workforce that this region needs.”
To help students reach their goals, however, Solis said the college’s responsibility extends beyond the academics to addressing challenges faced outside the classroom, which includes transportation, food insecurity and access to required equipment.
These efforts include expanded emergency assistance through the STC Foundation and student-focused initiatives like the college’s Threads Career Closet and Daniel’s Closet housed at the Technology Campus, which provides free professional and program-specific clothing.
Daniel’s Closet, supported by the Daniel A. Saldana Share the Love Memorial Scholarship Foundation, offers fire-resistant welding attire to students who may not be able to afford required gear.
“We don’t want students saying, ‘I can’t finish because I don’t have money for food, clothing, transportation or rent,” Solis said. “We will provide that. No student should be left behind.”
Vice President Rodriguez said STC Foundation’s growing resources are intended to help students stay enrolled during unexpected hardships.
“We are now able to help students on a case-by-case basis when emergencies come up,” Rodriguez said. “Our goal is to remove obstacles so students can continue their education and achieve their career goals.”
For more information about the STC Foundation visit southtexascollege.edu/foundation/. For more information about STC’s Threads Career Closets visit studentservices.southtexascollege.edu/careerservices/threads.html.
Information source: STC
