Benjamin Hinojosa
Becoming a father changed everything for Benjamin Hinojosa.
The Victoria native and 2022 graduate of Victoria East High School never imagined college would be part of his future. But after welcoming his child, Hinojosa found a new sense of purpose that led him to enroll in Victoria College's Process Technology Program.
Now a first-generation college student, Hinojosa is building a career for himself and creating new opportunities for his family.
That journey has been made easier through a ConocoPhillips Scholarship, awarded to students enrolled in Victoria College's Process Technology, Instrumentation, and Electronics programs.
"It's such a blessing to receive this scholarship," said Hinojosa. "This is a big deal for me, and I don't take it for granted. It helps so much to be able to use those funds for books, resources, classes, and lab fees. This has been life changing for me."
The scholarship has helped remove financial barriers, allowing Hinojosa to focus on his education and career goals. As he works toward completing the Process Technology Program, he has already set his sights on the next step — earning an engineering degree.
Hinojosa said he is grateful for the opportunities available through Victoria College and for scholarships that help students like him pursue higher education.
"I never thought college was for me," he said. "Now I can't imagine where I'd be if I hadn't taken that first step."
The ConocoPhillips Scholarship is one of many scholarship opportunities available to Victoria College students pursuing careers in high-demand technical fields.
Mid-level pay for process operators in the Golden Crescent averages $43 per hour according to Lightcast data. For more information about Victoria College's Process Technology Program, visit VictoriaCollege.edu/IndustrialTrades.