TSTC receives scholarship and equipment check from San Antonio organization

(WACO, Texas) – More than 20 Automotive Technology majors at Texas State Technical College will receive a financial boost this semester from a San Antonio-based automotive organization.

The non-profit Community of Automotive Professionals, which runs CarFest in San Antonio, recently awarded a $30,000 check for scholarships and equipment for the participation of Waco’s Automotive Technology students in the 2018 event.

TSTC in Waco students who took part in CarFest and participated in SkillsUSA last year were eligible for the $500 scholarships. TSTC in Waco and Harlingen Automotive Technology majors who have at least a 3.25 grade point average were also eligible, said Chris Perales, an instructor in TSTC in Waco’s Automotive Technology program.

“This is to help them buy what they need to continue their education,” Perales said.

Gabriella Villarreal, 20, of Brownwood attended last year’s CarFest and said the experience was beneficial because she learned about door and tire mechanisms.

She said the scholarship will be put to good use.

“It’s helping me with my living accommodation,” Villarreal said. “I have to pay rent. It’s helping me to continue in school.”

Patrick Bruce, 25, of Waco is benefitting from a scholarship because of his grade-point average. He said the money will help pay for classes as he and his fiancé prepare to buy a house.

Other TSTC in Waco Automotive Technology majors that received scholarships are David Davis, Ramiro Hernandez, Jaeshon Jackson, Patrick Kaltenbach, Kevin Le, Krystal Marshall, Jens Moen, Joel Ramirez, Samuel Shimek, Shelby Terry, Ricardo Villegas and Andrew Whatley.

TSTC in Harlingen students who received scholarships are Christopher Aguilar, Luis Barrientos, Christopher Machado, Jose Munoz, Noel Soto and Joshua Vasquez.

TSTC in Waco’s Automotive Technology students will participate in this year’s CarFest 2019 from April 5-7 at Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio.

For more information on CarFest, go to carfestsa.org

For more information on Texas State Technical College, go to tstc.edu.