South Texas College Board of Trustees have approved an $800 grant for students who are registered or interested in registering for fall 2022 to use for a free class or other expenses.
In a special board meeting called to approve STC’s newest enrollment initiative, board members discussed how this recently approved grant is going to bring relief and opportunity for many students in the Rio Grande Valley.
“We are familiar with the struggles our students face all too well,” said STC Board of Trustee Chair Rose Benavidez. “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.”
STC’s Director of College Connections Larry Barroso said the $800 grant students are receiving comes from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act Higher Education Relief Fund from the U. S. Department of Education and from the American Rescue Plan.
“Our goal is to always make college accessible,” said Barroso. “These funds are here to help our students stay on track.”
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the grant, a student must register for at least three credit hours at STC and apply for the grant. If a student has already completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid and received a Federal Pell grant, the money will automatically be dispersed to the student.
Dual enrollment students are not eligible. Funds through this grant are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Students will have two options on how they want to receive their money. They can choose to apply it to their tuition, which means the money will be applied to their student accounts 10 days before the first day of class. Students can also opt to receive their money after the semester census day to use toward books, supplies or other necessities.
“This reinforces our commitment to students, student success and our community,” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “We value our students, their education, their goals and we are here to help them reach their potential and change lives.”