Valero Energy Corporation has announced a significant $1.5 million commitment to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), aiming to bolster student success and provide crucial undergraduate scholarships within its esteemed engineering and business programs. This five-year pledge will be equally divided between the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (CEID) and the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, reinforcing Valero’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of professionals for Texas.
This substantial investment underscores Valero’s long-standing commitment to education and workforce development, aligning with its broader philanthropic mission to improve quality of life in the communities where it operates. Valero Energy Foundation consistently supports programs that foster educational attainment and career readiness, recognizing that a strong educational foundation is critical for individual success and community prosperity. The company’s philanthropic efforts often extend to scholarships, mentoring initiatives, and career exposure, preparing students for high-demand fields and contributing to the economic vitality of Texas.
The generous contribution from Valero is poised to make a tangible difference for students at UTSA, a Tier One research university and a Hispanic Serving Institution. The funds will provide essential scholarship support, directly addressing financial barriers and enabling more students to pursue their academic and career aspirations. Beyond scholarships, the gift will enhance student success programs, equipping recipients with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in competitive industries.
Students within the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and the Carlos Alvarez College of Business will benefit directly from this transformative commitment. Each college is slated to receive five annual scholarships. These awards will target students majoring in critical disciplines such as chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering, construction science, accounting, finance, business analytics, economics, human resources management, information systems and technology, operations and supply chain management, statistics and data science, and cybersecurity – fields vital to the state’s economy.
Valero’s support extends beyond financial aid to encompass invaluable experiential learning opportunities. Scholarship recipients will have the chance to connect with Valero mentors, gaining firsthand insights into industry practices and career pathways. Furthermore, organized visits to Valero’s headquarters will offer students exposure to a leading energy corporation, providing practical context for their academic studies. This hands-on engagement aims to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, enhancing students’ readiness for their future careers.
Additionally, the donation will significantly bolster the student success centers within both colleges. These centers serve as vital hubs for academic advising, professional development workshops, and career services. Valero’s contribution will enable the expansion of these services, offering students more comprehensive support as they navigate their academic journeys and prepare for the professional landscape. This focus on holistic student development is a key component of UTSA’s strategy to foster student success and graduate well-prepared individuals.
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy expressed profound gratitude for Valero’s generosity, stating, “Valero’s investment in undergraduate scholarships and student success reflects our shared commitment to cultivating the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of Texas’ professional workforce. We are immensely grateful for Valero’s generosity and ongoing partnership, and we look forward to continuing to work together to create new opportunities for our students while growing the talent pipeline for our city and state”. This partnership reinforces UTSA’s mission to be a catalyst for socioeconomic development and a premier public research university.
This significant philanthropic news highlights Valero’s strategic engagement with educational institutions to build a robust talent pipeline in Texas. By investing in UTSA’s engineering and business programs, Valero is not only supporting individual student success but also contributing to the broader economic growth and innovation within the state. The collaboration promises to cultivate future leaders and skilled professionals, strengthening Texas’s competitive edge in the global marketplace.
