Councilman unveils new tech scholarship

Councilman David Medina recently announced a new scholarship opportunities for area students at St. Philip's College Southwest Campus. Courtesy photo Councilman David Medina recently announced a new scholarship opportunities for area students at St. Philip's College Southwest Campus. Courtesy photo Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Councilman unveils new tech scholarship 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

Mario Lozoya said Toyota's truck plant in San Antonio needs more skilled workers to keep its industrial engine churning forward.

Lozoya, director of government relations for the plant, said he can't find enough local workers who have the computer and technical skills needed for today's manufacturing jobs.

“We have been having to bring in workers from out-of-state, which I hate,” Lozoya said.

“We want to hire people from the South Side, because many of our team members already live in this area and we want to be a good neighbor.”

Lozoya joined District 5 Councilman David Medina and other officials June 27 to announce a new scholarship opportunity for those interested in pursuing a technical education at St. Philip's College.

“We are announcing 10 new scholarships for $500 each, and taking applications right now,” said Medina during a press conference at the college ‘s southwest campus, 800 Quintana Road.

“With these scholarships, we will be able to help these students achieve their goal of education and getting that dream job,” Medina said.

The councilman, flanked by several local business leaders, explained that workers with these technical skills are considered desirable not just by Toyota, but also by companies with local operations like Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Valero Energy. “They all need to find more skilled workers,” he said.

Medina's scholarship program for the 2012-13 school year is intended for residents who reside in District 5.

It will be awarded to first-time college students who will be enrolled full-time in a two-year vocational fields of science, technology, engineering, math or related fields at St. Philip's College Southwest Campus.

Applicants must have maintained a “B” average and a 95 percent attendance rate throughout high school in order to qualify.

Applicants of the scholarship must apply by July 13. Recipients of the scholarships will be announced Aug. 11.

Technical skills can include everything from electricians, HVAC workers and welders, to basic maintenance expertise and working on electrical systems, hydraulic systems, basic computer circuits and more.

Lozoya said wages for skilled trade jobs at the Toyota plant start at $55,000 a year.

He noted Toyota participated in the scholarship program to train more skilled labor and also help fund local education.

“We want to partner with Southside area school districts and colleges to get students in local neighborhoods onto pathways to college, on track to get jobs with zero college debt,” Lozoya said.

Jose Ybarra, chairman of St. Philip's College Southwest Campus' Repair and Manufacturing Technology Department, said manufacturing jobs “are coming back to the U.S.”

“We have to have a workforce ready to get those jobs.” Ybarra said.

“San Antonio stands to be at the forefront of that,” he added.

“We have a large population that can be easily trained. St. Philip's is a place where they can acquire those skills.”

To apply for the $500 scholarship, applicants must submit:

Completed application form;

A 500-word essay;

One letter of recommendation; and

An official high school transcript.

Application can be sent to the District 5 Field Office at 3226 Nogalitos, Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78225.

For more information, call 207-0960.