Cong. Cuéllar Announces $963,000 Funding for New TAMIU STEM Connector Project with LC

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) and Laredo College (LC) are eager to share a connected future with the announcement Tuesday morning by Congressman Dr. Henry Cuéllar of $963,000 in congressionally directed funding for TAMIU’s STEM Connector Project with LC.

The funds will be used to create a graduate certificate in Systems Engineering at TAMIU, develop a coordinated engineering curriculum at TAMIU and LC, purchase high-performing computers and other computer labware, and hire Engineering Lab staff.

The funding, administered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will provide cutting-edge STEM opportunities for Laredo students, Congressman Cuéllar observed.

“An education is the great equalizer.  I secured this Congressionally directed funding to provide Laredo students with the resources they need to succeed in the STEM field and push the technological boundaries of the 21^st Century,” said Dr. Cuéllar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, “The STEM Connector Project will create a pipeline for Laredo students to pursue good-paying STEM jobs and achieve the American Dream.  Thank you to Dr. Pablo Arenaz, TAMIU president, and Dr. Minita Ramírez, LC president, for working with me to deliver to our students.” 

Dr. Arenaz concurred, noting the STEM Connector Project affirms important opportunities to work with LC and advantage all students.

“This collaborative and innovative STEM Connector Project will expand opportunities alongside our higher education partner, Laredo College.  It provides LC and TAMIU students with the opportunity to study Data Analytics and incorporate these skills in their research,” Dr. Arenaz explained, “Project students will be prepared to meet the needs of dynamic and in-demand professions.  We are eager for TAMIU faculty to collaborate with LC faculty to teach our students essential programming skills starting from the students’ first year and continuing through graduate study.  We are thankful to Congressman Cuéllar for this shared vision and partnership and believe that the STEM Connector Project will greatly advance our community with brighter futures for all our graduates.” 

Dr. Ramírez noted the powerful connection between LC and TAMIU and how the STEM Connector Project will strengthen this. 

“Over 50% of LC students transfer to TAMIU and this STEM Connector Program and their education here will open incredible opportunities for these students and their families,” Ramírez said. “The opportunity to work with faculty like TAMIU’s Dr. Ken Tobin will change their lives forever and we are thankful to be included and to affirm that these fields are now available to our students,” she added. 

Dr. Tobin, TAMIU professor, and executive director for STEM Initiatives, said the program provides a seamless transfer for LC students and he’s committed to the student’s success. 

“Together, we’re stronger and together we will strive to ensure that every student succeeds…and has a viable path forward to make their lives better,” Tobin said.

Tobin is being assisted by STEM Connector Project team members Dr. Elvira Teran, assistant professor of Computer Engineering and Dr. Geoffrey Hubona, associate professor of Management Information Systems.

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño observed that such programs are investments in the future. 

“These are the things we strive for – investments like this are vital for our community.  These STEM students will be our future chemists, engineers, mathematicians, and more.  This is a tool to secure our prosperous future,” Treviño said.

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