HOLT CAT posted on April 14, 2023 18:53
HOLT Scholars program will support first-generation college students in STEM and early education fields
HOLT has committed $200K in academic scholarships to Texas A&M University-San Antonio over the next four years for women in STEM and men in early childhood/general education.
A total of five recipients will receive $10,000 per year. Applications will open fall 2023 and will primarily target first-generation college students from East Central ISD.
“Supporting the community through education is a priority for us at HOLT,” said Corinna Holt Richter, president and chief administrative officer at HOLT. “It is especially momentous this year as we celebrate HOLT CAT’s 90th anniversary. By investing in Texas A&M-San Antonio students, we are building the future skilled workforce of San Antonio.”
The goal of the HOLT Scholars program is to strengthen career pathways and position more San Antonio high school students for in-demand careers that provide upward economic mobility.
“I hope that this partnership will inspire others to come together and invest in higher education,” Richter continued. “This type of investment helps fill the needs of the local labor market, improve the economic mobility of the emerging workforce and strengthen the competitiveness of the regional economy.”
According to the most recent San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA Regional Economic Overview, jobs are expected to increase over 74,000 over the next five years, yet only 18.2% of residents possess a bachelor’s degree and only 8.2% hold an associate’s degree.
“There are many students who are motivated and inspired to pursue higher education but lack the resources they need financially and otherwise to reach their goals,” said Dr. Linda Schott, interim president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. “The financial help that this scholarship will provide, plus the networking opportunities of the internship and mentorship programs, will fill the gaps needed to propel scholarship recipients forward both in life and economically.”
In addition to the HOLT Scholars program, HOLT is invested in several Career and Technical Education programs across the state, and partners with organizations on workforce development, internships, apprenticeship programs, and professional development and continuing education.