Anonymous Donor Gives $10 million to HBCU Students Impacted by Pandemic at Prairie View A&M University
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Posted By: Will Moss on November 11, 2020 PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (November 2020) – Ten million dollars. That’s how much a generous anonymous donor is giving to better the lives of Prairie View A&M University students who are trying to finish their education during a historic pandemic. “I am pleased to announce that the generosity of an anonymous donor will allow the university to establish an initiative to assist juniors and seniors impacted by the COVID-19 crisis to remain enrolled and graduate on a timely basis,” said PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons. “Called Panther Success Grants, these unrestricted funds will be the critical difference in enabling these students to continue and complete their studies.” In-state, out-of-state, and international students alike will be eligible for the new scholarship for up to $2,000 per semester, with a maximum of $4,000 per academic year. According to research, that’s how much students, on average, contribute annually to their education from working. “This type of extraordinary generosity supports students on the path toward graduation in spite of incredibly difficult financial stresses due to the pandemic,” said James M. Palmer, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at PVAMU. “Grants for identified students support the university’s mission by helping graduate transformational leaders so desperately needed in society today.” Since the pandemic began, numerous academic institutions across the United States have experienced declines in enrollment, high drop-out rates, and questions about whether students from low-income groups would be able to persist in their studies. Many students are being barraged with the reality of losing their jobs, disparate COVID-19 health outcomes, and other challenges stemming from the ongoing pandemic. While enrollment at PVAMU has increased slightly this fall, many students and parents report that remaining enrolled will be a significant challenge. “The Panther Success Grants will make it possible for eligible students to continue to progress toward degree completion and relieve them of the stress of wondering how and if they will be able to continue as a PVAMU Panther,” said Sarina R. Willis, Ph.D., vice president for Enrollment Management. “These grants result from the kindness, care, and concern that this donor has for our students.” Emphasizing the need to ensure that students will be well on their way to complete college during this unprecedented time of crisis, PVAMU will initially dispense these scholarships to students who are making satisfactory progress toward degree completion and are on track to graduate within six years. PVAMU officials will also identify students whose finances and financial aid are insufficient to satisfy the remaining college costs associated with completing their education. Basically, where students face shortfalls in funding, the Panther Success Grants will fill those in. Student Students will not need to apply for the Panther Success Grants. Instead, awards will begin immediately using the criteria approved by the donor and will continue until the $10,000,000 fund is disbursed. ### If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Will Moss
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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