STC’s Google IT certificate program garners international recognition
South Texas College is the most recent recipient of the Innovation of the Year Award for its innovation of the online classroom, specifically recognizing the college’s Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
South Texas College is the most recent recipient of the Innovation of the Year Award for its innovation of the online classroom, specifically recognizing the college’s Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
The award is from the League for Innovation in the Community College, an international nonprofit organization with the mission to cultivate innovation in the community college environment and recognizes STC’s effort of offering students upskilling and reskilling with micro credentials, which includes the college’s Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
A micro credential is short-term certificate program that help students enter a high-demand workforce with an industry-based certification.
“Everything we do is to influence learning and student success,” said Ali Esmaeili, Ph.D., STC dean of Math, Science, Information Technology and Bachelor Programs. “We have a promise to our community, to our region, that we will educate and bring economic prosperity to our region and every certificate, degree and credential we offer is doing that. We are moving in the right direction.”
“Everything we do is to influence learning and student success. We have a promise to our community, to our region, that we will educate and bring economic prosperity to our region and every certificate, degree and credential we offer is doing that. We are moving in the right direction.”
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate began as a result of a $10,000 grant from Jobs of the Future to offer students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) the option of obtaining the professional certificate at no cost to them.
Since the inception of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate in 2020, at least 177 students have received the professional certificate.
One of those students is Fernando Benavides, he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technologies from STC and should be graduating in the spring.
He is also already working in the information technology field at Southwest Key Programs in Brownsville.
“The level of support I have received at STC to continue and complete my studies has been invaluable,” said the 37-year-old. “Having additional certification opportunities available to me has also elevated the work that I do, leading to a promotion. From tech work to program knowledge and use, everything I have learned has opened doors.”
In addition to his Google IT Support Professional Certificate, Benavides has also received certifications in voice and data technology, telecommunication specialist and internet utilization.
Esmaeili said STC is transforming lives like Benavides’, the community and the region with its additional training and credentials that are enhancing student resumés and improving their employability.
He mentioned not only is STC a leader in providing micro credential certificates, but also leaders in nursing, dual enrollment, competency-based education and workforce training.
“STC is a pioneer in changing the Rio Grande Valley and helping to decrease unemployment. We are doing a lot of unique things,” said Esmaeili. “We have faculty, staff and leadership that pour their heart and soul into ensuring that this is the case. So, this innovator award, really goes to everyone. Everyone deserves a piece of this award.”
For more information on STC’s Computer and Information Technologies program and the micro credentials offered, visit bachelors.southtexascollege.edu/cit/.