Auto Body Repair Technology student awarded $1,500 tool grant

Texas Southmost College (TSC) Auto Body Repair Technology student German Escobar was awarded $1,500 from the Collision Repair Education Foundation Hire Our Heroes Veteran Tool Grant on April 25, 2017. From left to right, TSC Auto Body Repair Technology Instructor Donald Wilt, Jr., 3M Representative Fernando De la Garza, TSC Auto Body Repair Technology student German Escobar, O’Reilly Auto Parts representative Juan Guzman and TSC Auto Body Repair Technology Instructor Isidro Cedillo.

Texas Southmost College (TSC) Auto Body Repair Technology student German Arnulfo Escobar was the recipient of a $1,500 Collision Repair Education Foundation Hire Our Heroes Veteran Tool Grant.

Escobar, a U.S. Army veteran, was presented the award on April 25, 2017 at the TSC ITEC Center's Auto Body Repair Shop by 3M representative Fernando De la Garza and TSC Auto Body Repair Technology Instructor Donald Wilt, Jr.

"I didn't think I was going to get the tool grant when I applied for it," Escobar said. "Thankfully, now I don't have to pay out of my own pocket to buy tools. I'm going to graduate this spring, so it comes at a good time. I even have a few job offers already."

Escobar was deployed twice to Iraq during his tour of duty with the U.S. Army and took advantage of his military benefits to pursue an education.

"I'm using my G.I. Bill to pay for my education, and I'm doing what I like," he added. "It took me a couple of years to come back to school, but it's the best decision I ever made."

Upon graduation and once Escobar gains employment in the collision industry, he will be eligible for an additional $3,000 in tools from the same tool grant.

"The Education Foundation and 3M are big donors to the auto collision industry and we're grateful for their support," TSC Auto Body Repair Technology Instructor Wilt, Jr. said. "This donation is a big help for our students because they don't have to pay out of pocket for their tools. They can go out into the work force and have a jump start on their new career."

About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor's degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. Recently selected as a Bright Spot by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, TSC offers over 50 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.