Cochise Newsroom

Mia Rodriguez, a senior at Bisbee High School and a dual enrollment student at Cochise College, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Southeast Arizona Contractors Association (SACA). Rodriguez, who is pursuing a certificate in Pipe Welding and Fitting, is currently in her second semester at the college.

 

“I am really grateful that I received this scholarship as it will help me to purchase welding gear,” Rodriguez said.

 

To earn the scholarship, Rodriguez submitted a 1,000-word essay about her school and community involvement, as well as how the welding program has prepared her for a future career in the field.

 

“Mia’s essay was hands down the best out of all the applicants,” said Dale Porter, SACA board member, who coordinates the scholarship program.

The annual CTE scholarship, awarded by SACA, is given to students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher.

 

“We award this scholarship annually to support students pursuing careers in the trades,” said Michelle Absalon of SACA.

 

Rodriguez credits her friend Angelina and the Bisbee High School construction teacher, Mr. McCutcheon, for inspiring her to enter the field.

 

“My friend Angelina, who is also doing welding, and Mr. McCutcheon, inspired me to start welding,” she said. “My favorite welds are horizontal flat joints and tee joints.”

 

Rodriguez has her sights set on a career in the industry and hopes to work on oil rigs.

 

For more information about the welding program visit cochise.edu/programs/welding.

 

To learn more about the SACA scholarship, contact Dr. Dale Porter at porterd@cochise.edu.