United Launch Alliance Supports Tech Prep Initiatives
Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The $5,000 check that Ernest Roybal, ULA’s Director of Harlingen Operations, presented to Tech Prep Executive Director Pat Bubb, represents the aerospace company’s long-term commitment to technical education. Given in recognition of what Tech Prep-Rio Grande Valley does by guiding students into technology courses and pathways, the donation underscores the important link between business and education.

“The things ULA (United Launch Alliance) is interested in align perfectly with the mission of Tech Prep,” said Roybal at the Harlingen facility which has been making Atlas launch vehicles for 22 years.

“Tech Prep’s success in helping increase graduation rates and directing rising numbers to colleges give young people better opportunities. We are all on the same path and excited to help Tech Prep,” Roybal said. In the long term, he hopes skilled graduates will come work at ULA.

The ULA check, which has become a tradition, is used for a ULA Engineering scholarship which is awarded as a part of the Dr. Lauro F. Cavazos Texas Tech Prep Scholarship program and to support the Academic Leadership Alliance. The ALA places high school Tech Prep teachers and counselors in local businesses to give the teachers a firsthand view of the skills students need for employment in the 21st century. In 2009, ULA hosted a teacher extern. It has also continued its hands-on support of high school engineering and rocket clubs.

Ernest Roybal, ULA’s Director of Harlingen Operations, makes donation to Tech Prep Executive Director, Pat Bubb