LCC staffer chosen as USDA fellow

A staff member at Laredo Community College was one of only a few people chosen from across the country to receive a federal fellowship from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that focuses on colleges with Hispanic-oriented programs.

Rosario J. Martinez, a USDA grant administrator, was one of six participants from Texas to be chosen for the E. (Kika) de la Garza Fellowship program.

Earlier this summer, the fellows spent a few weeks in Washington, D.C., as they learned the various divisions within the USDA as well as career options for high school and college students.

The program works to improve the skills and preparation of Hispanic students.

Only those who work at a Hispanic-serving institution were allowed to apply for the fellowship, which is run by the USDA's Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program.

"During the fellowship program, a heavily discussed topic was that many Hispanic students are not aware of the magnitude of resources available to them," Martinez said. "There are many grants, scholarships, internships and job opportunities out there readily available for students, especially in our area."

The 13th class of the De la Garza Fellowship consisted of 20 members from three categories, including high school, science, and education fellows.

This is the second year an LCC employee has been chosen for the USDA fellowship program.

For more information on local USDA internships, scholarships, or job opportunities, contact Rosario J. Martinez at 721-5893.