Pushing Students Forward
Fifteen students enrolled in Career and Technical programs at South Texas College have each been awarded $1,000 in scholarships through the annual John G. and Maria Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation grant, which for the last 13 years have helped to cover the cost of courses as well as the purchase of tools and equipment. Left to right, Yahira Sanchez, Jose Luis Sanchez, Jose A. Gutierrez, Daven Gonzalez, Victor Moreno, Luis Guerra, Thomas Othoniel Herrera and Daniel J. Villanueva.
Standout students enrolled in Career and Technical programs at South Texas College have received a significant financial boost through the annual John G. and Maria Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation grant.
Fifteen students have each been awarded $1,000 in scholarships, which for the last 13 years have helped to cover the cost of courses as well as the purchase of tools and equipment.
To qualify, students are required to submit impactful stories of how these funds would support them in the continuation and completion of their coursework in Welding, Automotive, Diesel, Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), Electrician Technology or Architectural Engineering Design Technology programs at STC.
Luis Guerra will complete his certificate in Diesel Technology this semester and plans to go right into an Associate of Applied Science. After spending more than 23 years as a truck driver, Guerra said he recently switched his career track and began working as a mechanic’s apprentice while juggling college full-time.
The real focus of this scholarship is to give students the opportunities that maybe they don’t have access to – those supplemental resources that they need like those proper tools they need just to be successful.
“Whenever we apply for a mechanic’s position at any given job there are two questions that are always asked; do you have tools and how much do you have in tools?” Guerra said. “It’s pretty much standard that we have at least $3,000 minimum worth of tools just to work so this scholarship helps me in a lot of ways. I have peace of mind knowing that I will be fully prepared to perform my job better.”
STC leadership says the scholarship makes a big impact on those students like Guerra who are thriving at the college but have little or no access to the resources they need to reach the next stage in their careers.
Some student recipients included working professionals like Daniel Villanueva, a 22-year-veteran firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) employed by Weslaco Fire Department Emergency Medical Services who is working towards his master firefighter certification with an eye on a future degree in Emergency Management.
Gabriela Gonzalez, who is receiving her associate degree in Precision Manufacturing this May, is looking to break into a career in industry, but says she is persistently held back due to financial concerns.
“The real focus of this scholarship is to give students the opportunities that maybe they don’t have access to – those supplemental resources that they need like those proper tools they need just to be successful,” said Sara Lozano, STC Dean of Business, Public Safety and Technology. “It can be difficult as an institution to require students to purchase certain tools, so giving them the funds, which are included in this scholarship, is extremely helpful for them not only while they are getting their education but even shortly after when they enter the job market.”
Maricela Oliva, Ph.D., STC’s Career and Technology manager for Equity and Access, participated on the scholarship review committee and became familiar with all of the recipients’ stories and challenges.
“I believe the work that all these students have done is outstanding, and I was excited to see their progress,” Oliva said. “Now it’s important that they keep up the good work because the work they are doing is going to make a difference for themselves, their families and community.”