FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MISSION, TX – Oct. 16, 2023 – The Mission Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly $1.5 million in financial aid to 872 students from the City of Mission through a scholarship fund it established with South Texas College 10 years ago.
This year alone, a record-breaking number of students applied for the Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) Scholarship Fund. Of the more than 300 applicants, nearly 64% received aid.
“We have been able to invest in our community, upskill our workforce and put $129,000 into the hands of 191 Mission residents this Fall semester and hundreds more over the last decade,” said Teclo Garcia, CEO for the Mission EDC. “This will pay high dividends. Look at the top three fields of study our recipients are pursuing: Nursing & Allied Health, Math/Science/Engineering, and Business. Those are all in high demand.”
To qualify, applicants must meet five criteria: be a U.S. citizen or legal resident; be a permanent Mission resident; have earned six credit hours from STC via dual credit classes or otherwise before applying; have a 2.5 cumulative GPA; and enroll in at least 6 credit hours.
Recipients this year ranged in age from 17 to 55 years old and have an average GPA of 3.29. About 60% are women.
“The beauty of this fund is that it does not discriminate,” Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza said. “Every deserving applicant receives the support they need whether they are pursuing an associate, a bachelor’s degree or a certificate.”
“The impact of the MEDA Scholarship over the past decade cannot be overstated,” Garza said. “It has empowered students to overcome financial barriers and provided economic mobility opportunities for many years to come.”
Garcia added that South Texas College has been the perfect partner for the program. He thanked STC President Ricardo Solis and the STC board for their leadership and support.
For more information about the MEDA Scholarship Fund, visit southtexascollege.edu/meda.
Contact: Naxiely Lopez-Puente
Director of Marketing and Communications
956-877-6460
nlopez@missionedc.com
