In an effort to assist deserving students preparing to enter the workforce, Grainger Industrial Supply has supplemented its annual scholarship to students by donating tools to South Texas College.

Grainger, a leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair, and operating products, has donated $6,000 worth of tools that will then be distributed to students through the college. Grainger has been a constant supporter of South Texas College’s students for several years.

“Grainger provides new tools for students in several fields including auto, diesel, heating/ventilation/air conditioning/refrigeration, electrician, construction and law enforcement to name a few,” said Mario Reyna, Dean of Business, Technology and Public Safety at STC.

“Over the years, Grainger has provided scholarships and now they decided to donate the tools to our program,” Reyna said. “They had three pallets, almost $6,000 worth of tools, and they opted to bring them here and left it up to us to decide how we want to distribute them.”

The donation of tools to STC marks the first time the company has donated in bulk to the college. STC has now created a system for dual enrollment students who are unable to afford their own tools, allowing them to “check out” required implements for the duration of the semester.

Examples of tools include sockets and wrenches for automotive students; screwdrivers, pliers, snippers for electricians; and hammers, measuring tape, gloves and safety glasses for students in the Construction Supervision program.

For the last five years, Grainger has awarded scholarships and tools to STC students. Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow Scholarship Program helps technical students across the country realize their educational goals.

Outstanding students are recognized with a $2,000 scholarship and a customized Westward toolkit upon completion of their educational program.

“The majority of our students are at the edge of poverty and a lot of these students can’t afford their tools so with Grainger stepping up in this fashion, it gives them a tremendous opportunity,” Reyna said.