Coastal Bend LNG funds $25,000 scholarship for San Patricio

Coastal Bend LNG presented a $25,000 check to the Del Mar College Foundation on Thursday to establish a scholarship program for students from San Patricio County. Eight recent graduates from Ingleside High School have already received full scholarships for the upcoming fall semester.

The formal presentation was held at Del Mar College's Heritage Campus in Room 218 of the White Library. Scholarship recipients, company staff, and college administrators attended the event.

Nick Flores, the Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Bend LNG, led the presentation. Flores, who grew up in nearby Portland, described the initiative as a personal endeavor. "I have a deep appreciation for this area, our students and our community," Flores said. He stated he had seen the potential of local youth firsthand and wanted to help open doors for them.

Scholarship goals and impact

Flores explained the program aims to counter a trend of local talent leaving the region. "For years, Ingleside and the Coastal Bend have exported their talent, but I want to invest in that talent locally by creating financial opportunities for our students to build successful futures right here in their hometown," he said. Flores added that now that he has found career success, he feels it is time to support students who were once in his position.

The eight inaugural recipients are pursuing a variety of degrees at Del Mar College. While the scholarship is open to any program offered at the college, the current awardees have chosen the following fields of study:

Foundation welcomes critical support

Matthew Busby, Del Mar College's Vice President of Development & Donor Advising and Executive Director of the DMC Foundation, said the donation arrives at a critical time. He noted that the Del Mar College Foundation received a record number of scholarship applications this year.

"This is a truly meaningful gift, especially during a year when the Del Mar College Foundation received a record number of scholarship applications," Busby said. He stated that the company's generosity would provide significant financial support to the eight students as they pursue their education. Busby called it a great example of how partnerships can open doors and turn college dreams into achievable goals.

Coastal Bend LNG is an energy infrastructure development company focused on liquefied natural gas operations in Ingleside. The scholarship fund was reported by KRIS 6 News.