A&M International Awarding $132,000 in Student Scholarships

Local and area students seeking a four-year University degree have over 90,000 new reasons to do so at Texas A&M International University.

A&M International has announced the availability of $90,000 in new student scholarship monies. The University recently awarded scholarships totaling $42,000 to local and area students, raising the University's student scholarship assistance to $132,000.

The new scholarship monies are available for freshman, continuing and transfer students. The generosity of Laredoans and private and public corporations have helped to make these scholarship awards possible, said A&M International president Dr. J. Charles Jennett.

"We salute their support of our University and of the students who will begin or continue their higher education pursuits here. Their vision will help these student to secure a much brighter future," Dr. Jennett said.

Jennett said that while the State of Texas has been kind to the University in its funding requests, the need for student scholarship funding is always crucial.

"Over 80% of University students seek financial aid. The University has worked diligently to help secure scholarship funding from a broad-range of caring individuals and groups interested in helping students to better themselves," he explained.

Dr. M. Stephen Brown, Dean of Student Affairs, said the additional scholarship monies further reinforce the accessibility and affordability of a four-year degree at A&M International.

"This level of assistance is important for students pursuing higher education. We know our students need support and we're providing it. The availability of these scholarship monies, coupled with the revised criteria for PELL Grants, makes it possible for virtually any student to attend Texas A&M international University. We are committed to making the dream of an affordable four-year degree a reality," Dr. Brown said.

Rebecca Sepulveda, Director of Development, said scholarship gifts to the University have proven popular with local, area and national supporters.

"Scholarships gifts are an enduring way of providing students with access to their future through education. We have been fortunate to find many individuals, groups and corporations who are eager to help students to reach their goals, " she noted.

Brown said students interested in applying for the additional $90,000 in scholarship awards must do so prior to July 3, the application deadline.

"We strongly urge any student considering higher education to visit our offices and explore the new options that are available through scholarships, loans amd PELL grants," he said. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 326 2225, or visit offices located in Canseco Hall, Suite 302.

Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu