Southwest Tech is proud to announce that Danna Fernandez and Juan Ybarra Jr., both graduates of Altus High School, have been selected as recipients of the N.E.X.T. Scholarship, Next Experience in Training.
Fernandez and Ybarra are currently enrolled full time in Southwest Tech’s Aviation Maintenance program, beginning the General and Airframe portions of their training. Each student received a 1,000 hour tuition waiver valued at $3,000, covering the majority of tuition for their 1,200 hour program.
The N.E.X.T. Scholarship was created to provide an additional pathway to career training for young adults within the Southwest Technology Center district who may not have taken advantage of CareerTech training while in high school. While high school students who reside within a technology center district can attend tuition free, the N.E.X.T. Scholarship helps extend that opportunity beyond high school by reducing the financial barrier for qualifying adult students.
“Not every student knows exactly what they want to do before they graduate from high school, and that should not mean they have missed their opportunity to receive career training,” said Southwest Tech Superintendent Ericka Wiginton. “The N.E.X.T. Scholarship gives young adults another opportunity to choose a career path, gain valuable skills, and prepare for a successful future. We are proud to invest in Danna and Juan as they take this next step toward careers in the aviation industry.”
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must reside within the Southwest Tech district and begin their program prior to their 21st birthday. Applicants may qualify through a diploma from an in district public school or home school, or through completion of a high school equivalency diploma while meeting district residency requirements. Additional requirements include completion of the FAFSA and meeting applicable academic, admission and program requirements.
Two N.E.X.T. Scholarships are available in each full time program for eligible students who meet the qualifications. The scholarship covers up to 1,000 hours of tuition, with recipients responsible for any remaining tuition as well as applicable books, fees, equipment, tools, uniforms and supplies.
For Southwest Tech, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It reflects the school’s commitment to ensuring students have multiple opportunities to discover a career, receive high quality technical training and build a future close to home.
Southwest Technology Center congratulates Danna Fernandez and Juan Ybarra Jr. on earning the N.E.X.T. Scholarship and wishes them continued success as they pursue careers in aviation maintenance.
For more information about the N.E.X.T. Scholarship or full time training opportunities at Southwest Tech, visit www.swtech.edu or contact Student Services at (580) 477-2250.
