Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College recently joined Region One Education Service Center for the kickoff of the 2024 GEAR UP Partnership grant, which will support 11 school districts and hundreds of students who make up the class of 2030.
From the $33.6 million grant awarded to Region One ESC by the U.S. Department of Education, STC was awarded more than $300,000 over a seven-year period – $168,329 for the college’s Center of Advanced Training and Apprenticeships and $146,245 for Continuing Education and Workforce Development.
“Region One is a valued partner, and we collaborate closely to promote higher education, foster a college-going culture and expand opportunities in our region,” said Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Economic Development Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D. “We are truly honored to have been selected as partners in this new GEAR UP grant. This partnership will allow us to plant the seed of education early, and through our joint efforts, we will be able to encourage college enrollment and provide needed resources to our students.”
With these funds, STC will be able to provide school district administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents with educational camps, college visits, on-campus learning, professional development and trainings, additional credential and work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeship instruction.
Carlos Margo, Ph.D., STC dean for Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships, said they already offer numerous camps and learning opportunities to students across Hidalgo and Starr Counties year-round, and is excited about the opportunity to enhance its offerings through this grant.
“From science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) summer camps to apprenticeship programs and industry training, we offer valuable learning opportunities to our students and even their families,” said Margo. “This grant is going to benefit our region because it gives us the resources we need to serve even more students. The partnership we have with Region One is invaluable.”
STC Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Training and Economic Development Olivia De La Rosa added that GEAR UP is designed introduce students to the college environment and for many, this is their first exposure to the opportunities a higher education can afford them personally.
“Many students here in the RGV are disadvantaged, low-income, first-generation students who do not see themselves going to college,” she said. “Our hope is that our offerings will motivate them to continue their education and obtain some kind of post-secondary credential. We are grateful to Region One for once again allowing us to be part of this wonderful program.”
Region One’s GEAR UP projects have positively impacted nearly 45,000 students throughout its servicing areas of the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and the counties of Brooks, Jim Hogg and Zapata, and this grant will benefit students from 26 middle schools and 16 high schools.
“We’re so proud to directly engage with GEAR UP and it is a privilege to serve and impact so many students,” said Daniel King, Ph.D., Region One ESC executive director. “Together with our partners, we’re combining our strengths and our resources to prepare students to transition into college. We’re guiding them and their families, helping them pick the paths that are right for them and getting them ready for a successful career and life.”
For more information on the courses offered through STC’s Center of Advanced Training and Apprenticeships and Continuing Education and Workforce Development, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/
