Community resource fair for students hosted by TSTC

(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Local organizations from across the county and Houston metro area came together Tuesday, February 13, on Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus to raise awareness of the various area resources available to TSTC students.

In addition to having the goal of helping students achieve a quality education and a great-paying job, TSTC is committed to breaking down barriers to students’ success in their education. While many needs can be met with on-campus resources, the local Fort Bend County community also can provide needed support.

“The importance of this event can’t be understated,” said Shawn McNeil, the TSTC Access and Learning Accommodations specialist for the campus. “It provides students with the resources needed to overcome barriers to help them gain an education and graduate. The variety of vendors helps students want to be a part of it.”

Resources from the community included information about financial aid, affordable housing, military and veteran affairs, voter registration, and medical help. Some of the booths even helped students on the spot, such as to register to vote or apply for scholarships.

Each of the organizations represented had a successful turnout. Students came and went, learning about the various resources available to them. While most of the organizations were returning, there were a few new ones.

Carol Alcorta, assistant executive director for Rosenberg-Richmond Helping Hands, was one such newcomer.

“We wanted to reach out to people and make sure they know we are here to help,” Alcorta said. “Sometimes people try to hide their problems and needs, but we hope that they will open up and utilize us and our resources.”

The students in attendance were able to pick up pamphlets and brochures, goodie bags, and other information from each of the booths. While not every booth was visited by every student, having them all in one place helped spread awareness of the tools available to them.

Zitlaly Rangel, a fourth-semester Welding Technology student, was happy that the event happened, even if she herself didn’t need anything at the moment.

“We’ve had a good time being here and seeing the resources,” Rangel said. “Events like this are super important for the students.”

The Advocacy and Resource Center at TSTC is designed to assist students with nonacademic barriers and help them to stay on the path toward graduation.

For more information about TSTC, go to tstc.edu.