Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
The South Texas College Office of Sponsored Initiatives ended the year on a mega-million dollar note, significantly improving the college’s ability to serve its students and the community, leading to broader social and economic benefits.
Closing out fiscal year 2024 managing $35.4 million from 94 active federal, state, local and private awards, the Office of Sponsored Initiatives Executive Director Carla Rodriguez said she is always impressed, but never surprised at the quality of work her team provides.
“As we grow and expand on our grants and respective partnerships, STC can also grow and expand,” said Rodriguez. “Our goal is to provide a college education that is accessible and affordable for all. So, our team will find every dollar to help STC carry that cost instead of burdening our students with raised tuition.”
Most of the funds received go towards providing students with financial aid or expanding the college’s educational programs and services.
“The Office of Sponsored Initiatives is a cornerstone of South Texas College’s success, exemplifying dedication and excellence in managing millions of dollars in grand funding,” said STC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D. “Their strategic efforts not only enhance the college’s capacity to serve our students, but also drives innovation and community impact across the region. Managing these critical resources is vital to our mission of transforming lives through education. I am incredibly proud of their hard work and the measurable difference they make every day.”
The most recent award of $399,840 for the STC Continuing Education and Workforce Development department from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided salaries for two instructors with the Citizenship Education course, as well as study materials and resources, which is described by Rodriguez as a testament to STC’s student and community-centered philosophy.
One of the department’s largest awards, in dollar amount and scope, is the Perkins Basic Grant. This grant provides, annually, at least $2.2 million for the college.
“This funding aims to enhance academic knowledge, technical skills and employability of students in postsecondary education who enroll in career and technical education programs,” said Rodriguez. “This financial support enables STC to improve existing programs and develop new courses in academics, technical training and workforce development.”
Rodriguez said it is important how her department approaches their role within the college. Their work comes from understanding that success does not begin and end with a grant award, but rather it begins with a vision and continues through project design and project delivery.
“I want to thank every member of our team within our department. They each bring a unique set of skills and experience, and it’s how they work together that makes our office so successful,” she said. “Grants aren’t easy, funds are tied to goals, metrics and timeframes, but we have accountability and a team that fosters collaboration among numerous departments on campus. They all do extraordinary work.”
In the coming year, Rodriguez said her goal is to continue enhancing and streamlining processes to support a centralized framework, an efficient and convenient workflow, collaborations and partnerships.
“As dedicated grant professionals, we ensure that all initiatives align with STC’s goals and strategic directions by delivering the funds that provide the guidance and services that serve our students, families and our community,” said Rodriguez.
