Marcos Mendoza lands a paid internship as an AmericCorps VISTA.
(Oct. 17, 2017) -- Marcos Mendoza, a graduate student in The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Criminal Justice and Criminology program, was selected as an AmeriCorps VISTA economic development intern, a one year paid internship through the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG). Mendoza will be implementing an economic development plan for impoverished communities in Frio and Medina Counties.
AACOG partners with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to provide an economic development intern for the City of Pleasanton, in Atascosa County and other economically distressed communities. The goal of the VISTA is to build capacity in rural, economically distressed communities to alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment.
"These are the opportunities that truly signify how obtaining an education through an outstanding university like UTSA does for individuals who inspire to be community leaders to serve others," Marcos exclaimed. "I am committed to give my very best in serving the communities I have been assigned to and will continue to represent UTSA with honor and pride."
Mendoza, a member of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society Alpha Phi Sigma, credits his prior military service and study abroad experience to prepare him for his role.
"My military services in Iraq, police experience and the study abroad opportunity in Guadalajara, Mexico will aid me in being successful in my new position," he said. "I believe that this opportunity will provide me with the ability to impact people's lives and make a difference in their communities."
Jennifer Alexander, an associate professor in the UTSA Department of Public Administration and one of Mendoza's instructors, inspired Marcos to take on many challenges. She says he will enrich the lives of others.
"As a first-generation U.S. citizen, Marcos Mendoza brings a unique vantage point to this opportunity," said Alexander. "His participation in a variety of public organizations has given him a sophisticated understanding of how they function. He has a solid grasp on his career goals and a quiet grace that will enlarge the lives of people who work with him."
Mendoza is thankful to his family for supporting him during his academic career.
"All my hard work and success would not have been possible if it had not been because of my family's support. My older brother Rene and mother Maria Cristina are the two most influential people in my life. My family is my inspiration," declared Mendoza.
This is the second year in a row that a COPP student will intern as part of AACOG's economic development AmeriCorps VISTA program.
Mendoza will work with community partners and agencies to identify economic development needs and resources for low-income communities in an effort to attract higher-paying jobs and other opportunities. He will also have networking opportunities and a chance to meet city leaders. Last year's VISTA Summer Kohler, a UTSA public administration student, compiled a business directory for the city of Pleasanton and gave business owners information about programs to help lower income populations. She met elected officials, the Mayor of Pleasanton, and completed work for the Chamber of Commerce.
Learn more about the UTSA Criminal Justice and Criminology program.
Learn more about the UTSA College of Public Policy.
Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
All UTSA students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families are invited to march with the UTSA delegation in San Antonio's 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March. Free transportation will be provided from the Main and Downtown Campuses.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King, Jr., San Antonio, TXWarm up with a hot cup of coffee or a hot chocolate with Wellbeing Services to kick off the start of the Spring Semester! The Wellbeing team will be in the Window Lounge to welcome you to the first day of classes and highlight our events and programs for the semester.
Dreamers Resource Lounge, Main CampusJoin us for Coffee with Vets, a casual social event where veterans can come together, connect, and share camaraderie over a cup of coffee. This is a perfect opportunity to unwind, meet fellow veterans, and build community in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
Veteran Lounge (JPL 4.03.04,) John Peace Library, Main CampusStop by to ask questions or learn about how you can become involved in Wellbeing Services events and programs.
Window Lounge (SU1.02.00C,) Student Union, Main CampusArt of Wellbeing is a weekly workshop provided by Wellbeing Services! Join us as we use different art mediums each week as a way to improve our overall wellbeing!
Magnolia Room (SU2.01.30,) Student Union, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
