Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
For over a decade, the Mission Economic Development Corporation has played a crucial role in supporting nearly 1,000 South Texas College students through its Mission Economic Development Authority (MEDA) annual scholarship.
Since 2013, this initiative has awarded a total of $1.7 million in tuition, significantly empowering students and advancing their educational goals.
“The MEDA Scholarship program is a key part of our commitment to empowering our residents and ensuring the long-term success of the city of Mission,” said Mission EDC Chief Executive Officer Teclo J. Garcia. “By investing in education, we’re not just helping individuals achieve their dreams — we’re building a stronger, more vibrant economy where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Eligible students can receive up to $800 per semester, with the scholarship automatically renewing as long as they continue to meet the criteria, until they reach a lifetime maximum of $3,200.
For the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year, 190 scholarships have been awarded, the highest number ever, totaling $126,450. Notably, more than half of these scholarships will benefit new recipients.
“We don’t have any other scholarship like this; it’s truly unique,” said STC Financial Aid Specialist Lorena Martinez. “It’s remarkable to see how the city of Mission cares for its residents and not only helps them attend college, but also provides ongoing assistance each semester.”
To be eligible, students must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, must reside within the city limits of Mission, have earned six-credit hours at STC with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and must enroll in at least six-credit hours at the college.
“It’s a special opportunity for students who may not qualify for other forms of assistance, such as those with a bachelor’s degree or those who have exhausted their financial aid,” explained Martinez. “While traditional students must wait a semester, as one of the requirements is to have previously earned six-credit hours, this is especially beneficial for dual credit students transitioning from high school. Plus, it can be combined with other scholarships, making a real difference in helping students achieve their goals.”
For 21-year-old Maria Fernanda Valdez, this scholarship has been instrumental in helping her pursue her dream of becoming a gynecologist.
Arriving from Mexico just two years ago, she faced numerous challenges, including a language barrier, before starting her years-long journey toward medical school at STC’s Patient Care Technician program.
She is grateful that the financial support from the scholarship has allowed her to progress at her own pace.
“I started by taking English as a Second Language for six months and then enrolled in the program, because my dream is to become a doctor,” she said. “This fall, I will continue working toward an associate degree in Biology. I couldn’t be more grateful to this scholarship for allowing me to progress steadily and build my path to success.”
With the ultimate goal of becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist and opening a clinic locally, she aims to give back to the city that has supported her college education.
“I’ve really come to love this community and want to give back by becoming the best I can be. My dream is to help women with their health and remind them about important cancer screenings,” she said. “While I’m still figuring out which school to attend, possibly out of town, I know my future lies in Mission, serving the community that has become so special to me.”
The MEDA application for the 2025-2026 academic year will open January through July, 2025.
For more information, visit southtexascollege.edu/meda