STC grant affords free class, or other expenses, for students

McALLEN — The South Texas College Board of Trustees recently approved an $800 grant students can use in the fall to pay for a free class or other expenses.

A news release from the college says the grants are being paid out of federal COVID-19 relief funds.

“Our goal is to always make college accessible,” STC’s Director of College Connections Larry Barroso wrote in the release. “These funds are here to help our students stay on track.”

To be eligible for the funds, students must register for at least three credit hours and apply. If a student has already completed their free application for federal student aid and received a federal pell grant the money will be dispersed to them automatically.

Dual enrollment students are not eligible, the release said, and funds are available on a first come, first served basis. Students can either have the funds applied to their tuition or opt to receive it after the semester census day to use it for books, supplies or other necessities.

“We are familiar with the struggles our students face all too well,” STC board Chair Rose Benavidez wrote in the release. “Many of our residents are still struggling with uncertainty as the region recovers from a global pandemic and unfortunately for some, that shifts pursuing an education to bottom of their priorities. We hope these funds will allow our students to continue moving forward to fulfilling their academic and professional goals.”

One of those prospective $800 grant recipients is Jisel Muñoz, a Roma native who serves as Student Government Association vice president and a student worker for the Starr County campus student food pantry.

Muñoz, who needs to complete two more classes to graduate, says the grant will put her in a financial position to do so.

“My family went from financial security to financial hardship within the last couple of years because of COVID-19,” she wrote in the release. “I’ve been taking advantage of every grant, free semester and free class I have been able to, to continue working toward my degree. Without any of it, I would not be where I am. It’s been a sigh of relief and huge help for my family. I’m so grateful.”

More information on the grant is available at stc.media/heerfII or by calling 1-855-GoToSTC.