Contractor's Scholarships Dollars Build Work Force at TSTC

Building Construction Technology students Julio Adape and Eddie Rodriguez are among Texas State Technical College Harlingen students to gain an education foundation from Harlingen Area Builders Association scholarships.

The association with approximately 50 members contributes $500 to BCT scholarships two times per year and the BCT faculty divides each donation between two students on a merit basis.  Senior Instructor Abe Lopez and Instructor Richard Wiltse received the latest scholarship funds at HABA’s luncheon April 4.

It’s the ninth scholarship donation HABA made to the college during the past four years, said Debbie Elizarde, who serves as HABA Executive Board secretary and chairwoman of the HABA Charity Committee.  The organization will soon present a $500 college scholarship for the second year to a building construction student graduating from Harlingen High School who plans to attend TSTC.

“We believe it’s important for our members to support the builders of tomorrow because they will be our future industry leaders.  We look forward to these students gaining a strong foundation of construction and business knowledge to move the industry forward to a higher level. Building Construction Technology is a great program at TSTC and TSTC is a great college,” she said.

Rodriguez commutes to TSTC from Edinburg daily.  After earning an Associate of Applied Science degree, he plans to eventually own a construction company and specialize in “green building” to reduce material waste and strong, energy efficient residences made of concrete insulated with foam. Modern construction materials and techniques could save some homeowners hundreds of dollars in energy costs annually.

“This program opens up your eyes and dissects what’s really in a house,” he explained. “This is a very hands-on program.  The academics and the books are great, but here you have roll up your sleeves and really get to work.”

Aldape, a Harlingen resident said that he dabbled in amateur construction until his wife, also a TSTC student, encouraged him to enroll.  Aldape recalled that he couldn’t accurately read a tape measure, but classes gave him experience with business law, contract preparation precision blueprints, creative plans and details necessary to complete projects.  Higher education or formal training is becoming important in the construction industry because more states are requiring licenses and exams for personnel, he added.

Rodriguez, vice president of the Association of General Contractors student chapter at TSTC, said that many construction professionals learned the trade from mentors, but that sometimes limits an employee’s perspectives towards projects.  He said, “A degree tells people I really went out and got formal training.  Employers know we have an extensive knowledge base because our instructors are first rate and the college offers many resources.”

The two students said they’re confident that the HABA scholarships are intergral parts of their college education, which will allow them to provide future clients with dependable service and products.

“The generosity of HABA allows our students to achieve their academic goals as they build a foundation for their professional careers.  The construction industry and communities also eventually benefit because these graduates frequently become business leaders who give back to their communities,” Lopez said.

HABA scheduled its second New Tour of Homes, which raises funds for community projects such as the TSTC scholarships, for June-23-24.

The college awards Associate of Applied Science and Certificates of Completion in more than 30 technical programs.  It also offers a core academic program with 48 credits transferable to any four-year public university in Texas.