Rio Grande City, TX —Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced that South Texas College will receive $6,803,772 from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. This funding allows institutions of higher education to continue to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, South Texas College will use the funds for emergency financial aid grants accounting for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or childcare.

“Our South Texas students deserve full support to respond to challenges that arise within the community, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” said Congressman Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. “This important grant funding will ensure that our children, our neighbors, and our students have the necessary resources to continue their education in a safe and welcoming environment. I thank the educators and faculty at South Texas College for their continued support. As your representative in Congress, I will continue providing resources so that students have the opportunity to continue their education.”

“On behalf of the students of South Texas College, our deepest gratitude for this grant award which will go a long way in offering deserving students financial support for tuition, debt forgiveness opportunities and basic needs, such as child care, food and housing so they can achieve their dreams of an education,” said South Texas College President Ricardo Solis, PH.D. “More importantly, with one in three college students suffering mental health issues due to the stresses of the pandemic, this grant will allow us to provide students with the counseling and help they need to persevere. We are beyond grateful to our Valley lawmakers for their efforts in making this possible.” 

Since 1993, South Texas College offers students more than 127 degree and certificate options that include associate degrees in the fields of liberal arts, social science, business, math, science, technology, advanced manufacturing, and allied health.   

South Texas College is the only community college in the State of Texas to offer 5 baccalaureate degrees.  

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