Academics
Located on San Antonio's east side, St Philip's College is the country's westernmost HBCU and a member of the Alamo Colleges District, a network of five community colleges within the area that confer associate degrees and certifications. The school has two major campuses and several subsidiary locations, with the east side campus acting as the main campus, and the Southwest campus serving as the hub for SPC's technical training programs. For students wishing to transfer to a four-year institution, there is a core set of requirements that provides a common academic foundation and basis of transferability; the school was recently awarded a $75,000 grant to increase adult student enrollment, one of only 20 community colleges in the country to do so. The Applied Science and Technology division offers programs that train students for direct entry into the workforce but includes general education requirements; programs include Vision Care Technology, Electrical Trades, and Hotel Management. The Information Technology Cybersecurity Specialist program received National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Program of Study Validation from the NSA, affirming the school's high-quality training in the field. SPC tutoring centers also offer help in a variety of disciplines, as well test prep courses, Seminars on Success (mini-workshops on study and organizational skills), and a book loan program.
Career
A true Texas school, SPC is steeped in the traditions of the area. The Department of Tourism, Hospitality, & Culinary Arts hosts an annual Cowboy Breakfast, which acts as the official kick-off event for the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo season (the department also partners with global organizations to conduct international chef exchanges). The college mascot Phil the Tiger appears at birthday parties across the campus, and the college hosts lectures and events throughout the year, covering subjects from STEM to Women's History Month and the performing arts. The Student Center acts as students "home away from home" with lounges, a bowling alley, and game tables, and also houses the Department of Student Life, which provides activities and entertainment for all. Each Wednesday is Spirit Day, and students are encouraged to wear the SPC colors of royal blue and gold.
Culture
Students typically come to SPC with either the intention of transferring-something the college very clearly lays out the pathway for-or entering directly into a career, and the resources and guidance for both options are abundant. Loaner laptop computers and internet hotspots are available for students to borrow, and there are numerous training centers throughout the campuses, including the Diesel Technology Center, the Center for Learning Resources, and the Center for Health Professions, which provides simulated instruction to students. The school has many established partnerships that provide internships and coops for students within their field, including a partnership with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs for the inaugural HBCU Fellowship Program, which provides career development opportunities to students during the summer.
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