In 2013, Brownsville, Texas, was named the “Poorest City in America.” Based on data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, we know that only one in five Texas 8th graders will graduate from college (certificate or degree) within six years of their high school graduation date. If students enter 8th grade classified as “economically disadvantaged,” their chances of a college education decrease to one in ten.
To encourage connections and improve their chances of returning to South Texas upon graduation, program participants will receive a one-time $1,000 award upon completion of an internship in Cameron County.
Program participants will attend Fish Camp prior to beginning classes at Texas A&M at no cost.
Each program participant will receive up to $4,000 in stipends to particpate in academic enrichment experiences such as out-of-town workshops and conferences, mission work or study abroad programs.
An endowed scholarship will provide each first-generation/low-income student with an average of $4,500 per year to help fill the gap after federal and state aid.
Each program participant will be a part of a living-learning community on campus in one of the university’s residence halls to receive support through small group mentorship, leadership development activities and visits from relevant speakers.