Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – From fixing computers as a teenager to planning a career in cyber warfare as an adult, South Texas College Bachelor of Applied Technology Computer Information Technology (BAT-CIT) student Bianca Martinez said her journey at STC is an example of how courage and determination can lead a student to an extraordinary future.
At 37, while working full-time and raising two teenagers, Martinez said she received a surge of inspiration from becoming a recipient of a prestigious scholarship from Microsoft’s Cybersecurity Scholarship Program and Last Mile Education Fund, which recognized her commitment to data analytics and cybersecurity while balancing work, school and family life.
The national partnership between Microsoft and the Last Mile Education Fund aims to close the workforce gap in cybersecurity by helping students complete community college degrees and industry certifications.
As a Last Mile Education Fund recipient, Martinez received a total of $2,653 which included $1,500 for a laptop, $653 in bill assistance and a $500 emergency award. She said the scholarship provides not only relief, but motivation to keep reaching her goals.
“When program faculty sent us an email to begin applying to scholarships, I decided to take it a step further and began looking for even more opportunities,” Martinez said. “I began to apply for every scholarship I could find including Women in Cybersecurity and LinkedIn Premium because I knew they would help my career.”
Her initiative helped her stand out during the application process. After interviewing with program representatives, Martinez shared her long-term goal of joining the National Guard Reserves to pursue a career in cyber warfare, a statement she believes set her apart.
“When they heard about my plan to go into cyber warfare, it showed how serious I was about the field,” she said. “They realized I knew more than they expected for an entry-level applicant.”
Martinez’s interest in technology began unexpectedly when she was 17 and working at Staples Tech Support while raising her first child. She later joined Best Buy’s Geek Squad, developing hands-on technical and customer service skills that would shape her career path.
“I never wanted to do computers, but one year turned into six. Then I became a team leader, and I really started to enjoy it,” Martinez said. “It let me provide for my family while doing something I grew to love.”
Today, Martinez has more than a decade of experience working in data analytics for the insurance industry. Seeking the next level of her career by earning a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology, Martinez said despite living miles away from campus in Rio Hondo, she was drawn to STC because of its support for working adults and returning students and now attends classes virtually.
She plans to graduate in May 2026 and hopes to pursue a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.
Her dream, she said, is to graduate at the same time as her son, who is currently attending Texas Christian University in Lubbock on a full-ride scholarship.
“I want to show my kids that no matter what age you are, you can always go back to school,” Martinez said. “AI isn’t replacing us – it’s improving what we do. That’s the direction I want to take my career.”
Martinez said she continues to be inspired by the encouragement she receives from STC faculty.
“STC is an amazing school,” she said. “They don’t have to tell us about these scholarships or be available after hours – but they do,” she said. “If you’re a student, you have to take advantage of every opportunity. You never know how far it will take you.”
For more information on STC’s BAT-CIT program visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/computer-info-tech/.
