Exciting Times for South Texas College
STC earns unique place among statewide institutions competing for funding for apprentice and workforce training programs
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Deputy Commissioner Ray Martinez was in attendance for a special check signing ceremony awarding funding for South Texas College’s internship and apprenticeship programs. STC became only one of four institutions in the state to receive funding for both programs.
South Texas College has earned a unique place among statewide higher education institutions competing for funding for grant opportunities for internship programs and apprenticeship programs.
STC became only one of four institutions in the state to receive funding from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for both programs.
THECB announced two grants totaling $454,694 awarded to STC’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at a special signing ceremony April 12.
In attendance at the check signing was STC President Dr. Ricardo J. Solis and THECB Deputy Commissioner Ray Martinez along with representatives from Texas Workforce Solutions and Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA).
STC Trustee Paul Rodriguez was in attendance on behalf of the board.
“It’s highly significant, what we are trying to do today,” Solis told attendees at the check signing. “Never before in the 28-year history of the college have we been so engaged and so committed to workforce development and meeting the needs of the community. This demonstrates that STC is on the cutting-edge of delivery and is ensuring that our students continue to learn well and finish strong. Most importantly, our students can go from learning to earning. This is what STC provides, and what no other institution of higher education has been able to achieve, especially in South Texas.”
“Never before in the 28-year history of the college have we been so engaged and so committed to workforce development and meeting the needs of the community. This demonstrates that STC is on the cutting-edge of delivery and is ensuring that our students continue to learn well and finish strong. Most importantly, our students can go from learning to earning. This is what STC provides, and what no other institution of higher education has been able to achieve, especially in South Texas.”
The first grant is for an Accelerating Credentials of Purpose and Value Grant in the amount of $289,720 to develop workforce training in a multitude of non-credit programs. This includes training for web developers, mobile app development, FANUC robot operators, electro-mechanical devices, digital fundamentals and programmable logic controllers.
The second is a Work-Based Learning Opportunity Grant in the amount of $164,974 for development as well as expansion for registered apprenticeship training programs.
The funds set the stage for two brand-new apprenticeships currently being developed by the college including one for veterinary technicians and the other for paralegal assistants.
Expansion of existing apprenticeships includes construction technicians, construction superintendents, CNC tool programmers and CNC tool operators.
“It is certainly true that STC is on the cutting edge in so many different ways,” said THECB Commissioner Martinez. “There is excellence throughout the institution from the students to college (staff), its leadership and the board. I always welcome the opportunity to be a part of ceremonies like this one. There is a lot to brag about in terms of what South Texas College is doing, the excellence the college is providing and most importantly we are here to support our students. That’s what this is about and we know these grant dollars will be used in innovative ways that will allow STC to get students more involved in workforce opportunities”
STC trustee Rodriguez said the announcement by THECB represents another “arrow in the quiver” when it comes to progress the college is making in South Texas. The award reflects the variety and diversity found in programs at STC, he said.
“I know for many years the message has always been about jobs, jobs, jobs, but today we are talking about careers,” Rodriguez said. “Apprenticeships and internships lead to successful, lucrative and satisfying careers. These are critical to what we are doing.”