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Cuellar secures $1M to benefit STC child development center

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010


Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, presents South Texas College officials with a $1M grant check to support campus-based child care for low income STC students. From left are Juan Mejia, STC vice president for academic affairs; Congressman Henry Cuellar; Veronica Rodriguez, chair of STC's Child Development Program; and Luzelma Canales, STC interim associate dean of community engagement and workforce development.

 Texas Border Business

Congressman Henry Cuellar, TX-28, was joined by educational and community leaders on Aug. 12, when he presented a check for more than $1 million in grant funds to South Texas College. The funds, which will be dispersed over the course of four years at $250,000 a year, will benefit the college’s Child Development Center and its efforts to provide affordable, campus-based child care to low income STC students.

“I applaud South Texas College for actively seeking this grant to continue this exceptional model program,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Where else can you provide exceptional child care, while at the same time afford future child development teachers with hands-on training on how best to educate and take care of a young child.”

The announcement was made as part of the Congressman’s AmeriCorps VISTA Forum focused on creating opportunities for the educators of tomorrow. During the event, officials from federal agencies including the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services met with local education leaders to develop strategies to help South Texas schools better compete for grants and improve student performance.

“Cong. Cuellar has a long history of supporting education and higher educational efforts. His support in securing these grant funds is another celebration of his solid commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow by helping them establish a foothold in higher education today,” said Juan E. Mejia, STC vice president for academic affairs. “We sincerely appreciate his support for our students and value all the Congressman does to help create a college-going culture in the Rio Grande Valley.”

The funding will be used to assist eligible STC students access childcare at the college’s nationally accredited Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center in Weslaco. One of only two facilities accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs in the region, it serves children ages 18 months to five years. To be eligible to enroll their children, STC students must meet income and grade requirements, as well as commit to monthly service hours at the center.

“We are thrilled that more of our STC students will have the chance to access our center, which has become a true learning lab for our Child Development Program,” said Veronica Rodriguez, chair of STC’s Child Development Program. “We are expanding the center to include two new classrooms in the fall and we will be able to accommodate the child care needs of an additional 20 children. It’s an exceptional environment, where our students’ children can learn and grow in loving care. And our Child Development Program students have the opportunity to get much-needed hands-on training. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

For additional information about STC’s Child Development Center or Child Development Program call 956-872-2657

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