Rio Grande City, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured $2,850,148 in federal funding for broadband internet at South Texas College (STC). The funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program and will be used to improve broadband internet access across all STC campuses.

Specifically, the funds will be used to:

• Upgrade fiber-optic connections between STC’s Star County Campus, Mid-Valley Campus, and the Information Technology Hub;
• Convert connections from analog to digital at the Mid-Valley Campus and Information Technology Hub;
• Install new desktop software across all campuses; and,
• Provide internet hotspots for 350 students.

“In the 21^st Century, internet connectivity is critical for education. This federal investment for South Texas College will ensure its 26,562 students have the broadband internet access they need to learn, communicate, and access educational information as they work towards their degrees,” said Congressman Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “As we dive further into the Digital Age, the value of reliable internet access for our students cannot be overstated. In Congress, I will continue to fight for South Texas College and our students. Thank you to South Texas College President Dr. Ricardo Solis and Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez for working with me to secure this federal funding and enable our students to unlock their fullest potential.”

“At STC we are already working to increase digital capabilities for our students. We are making strides in closing the digital divide,” said South Texas College President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “This grant is going to allow us to expand our efforts and our technical and digital infrastructure. The goal is that our advanced technology and enhanced connectivity across all of our campuses will support our students’ learning and academic goals.”

“This funding continues to reiterate South Texas College's commitment to nurturing innovation and creating opportunities. Our priority, like that of Congressman Cuellar, has always been to invest in our human capital, our most valuable asset,” said South Texas College Board of Trustees Chair Rose Benavidez. “As we venture into the digital world and metaverse, we will help continue to ensure that our students and residents have the capacity and tools to share their talent with the world.”

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