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South Texas College gets grant to help lure young engineers

ControlGlobal.com
01/11/2007

South Texas College, a community college in McAllen, Texas, that offers associates’ and bachelors’ degrees in applied technology, has been awarded a $559,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Postsecondary Education as part of its Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP). The grant was awarded to the college to support and enhance the offerings of its Dual Enrollment Engineering Academy (DEEA). This program encourages high school students to enter engineering training.

South Texas College has more than 5,000 students enrolled this semester alone through dual enrollment. "Getting to students early in high school and making them see that attending and completing college is possible is what is helping to get more students through the door and completing their associate’s and pushing them on to a bachelor’s. We are leading the charge in helping develop the skilled work force that is driving the expansion of the local economy so swiftly," says Helen Escobar, coordinator of public relations at South Texas College.

The students seem onboard with the program as well. "I have always looked for ways to increase my chances of getting into a good college and a solid career path and now that I am in the DEEA, I know that my opportunities are endless," said Monica Medina, STC DEEA student. "Already this semester we have taken Programming C+ and Introduction to Engineering courses. They are challenging, but also enjoyable. I look forward to walking across the STC stage at graduation in spring 2008!"

Future Engineers of America

Dual Enrollment Engineering Academy students at the McAllen, Texas, campus of South Texas College are high schoolers exploring engineering courses with an eye toward technical careers.