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For additional information contact:
Helen Escobar
Coordinator of Public Relations
South Texas College
Phone: (956) 872-8359
Cell: (956) 369-3254
www.southtexascollege.edu
October 21, 2008
TG makes South Texas College DEMSA students' dreams a reality with $170K grant
South Texas College's Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy (DEMSA) received a grant in the amount of $170,652 from the TG Public Benefit Grant Program, a Texas-based philanthropic initiative focused on student access and success in college. The funds will cover instructional costs, student textbooks, college/program site visits, internships, student testing preparation, CPR certification workshops and program expenses like lab coats and other required supplies.
South Texas College’s Dual Enrollment Medical Science Academy received a $170,652 grant from the TG Public Benefit Grant Program to support future program initiatives. From left are Juan Mejia, STC vice president of academic affairs; Maria Luna-Torres, TG director of educational finance initiatives; Nick Gonzalez, STC associate dean of high school programs; Lupe Chavez, coordinator of STC’s dual enrollment academies; Melba Trevino, STC interim dean of nursing and allied health; and Anahid Petrosian, assistant to the STC vice president of academic affairs.
"We are honored to receive this grant award, as it will help us create a pathway to a better life for high school students interested in studying and eventually working in the medical field," said Lupe Chavez, coordinator of STC’s dual enrollment academies. "We will be able to continue providing students with intensive college-level classroom instruction and medical-related opportunities to ensure their academic and professional success."
To date, 29 students have successfully graduated from DEMSA, earning scholarships to study at Baylor University, The University of Texas-Pan American, The University of Texas at San Antonio and other universities around the state. It has been a huge success and is making major strides in helping Hispanic and other minority students break into this challenging, but rewarding career path. This grant funding will make many more student dreams a reality.
STC’s DEMSA allows qualifying high school juniors to engage in college-courses towards the completion of an associate’s degree in biology, at no charge to the students or their families. In addition, the academy provides students specialized guidance, tutoring, counseling and scholarship search programs to assist in the transition from high school to college life. DEMSA students also have the opportunity to volunteer in different medical arenas including hospitals, labs or other settings, enabling them to learn side-by-side with medical professionals in Hidalgo and Starr counties. Students who complete the academy earn a 61-hour associate of biology by the end of their senior year.
"Our nation's future depends on our ability to inspire students to achieve all that they are capable of accomplishing and that is the crux of our mission at TG," said Maria Luna-Torres, director of educational finance initiatives for TG. "The medical field provides rewarding, long-term careers with increased earning potential and STC’s academy ensures that Hispanic students are getting the opportunity and access they need to bring the opportunities of the medical field within their reach. By providing funds for STC’s DEMSA, we are pleased that TG can help change the future for individual students and families, and, ultimately, society as a whole."
TG's grant program helps students from low- to moderate-income families achieve their higher education goals. In addition, preference is given to programs that serve the needs of first-generation college students or students who are from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in undergraduate and graduate education, such as minority students.
South Texas College was one of 53 nonprofit organizations selected for funding. Overall, TG awarded more than $5.6 million for projects in 2008-2009.
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About TG: TG is a public, nonprofit corporation that helps create access to higher education for millions of families and students through its role as an administrator of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). Its vision is to be the premier source of information, financing, and assistance to help all families and students realize their educational and career dreams. Additional information about TG can be found online at www.tgslc.org. This press release can be downloaded from www.tgslc.org/newsroom/.
