Students in First Generation Transition & Mentoring Programs (FGTMP) at Texas Tech University and the College of Education were recently awarded scholarships totaling $30,000. The scholarships were made possible by a $60,000 grant from The CH Foundation.
Ten scholarships, in the amount of $3,000 each were awarded to first-generation student program members in the College of Education for the 2016-2017 academic year. The remaining $30,000 of the grant will be awarded in the form of scholarships by December 2017.
“First generation college students are the success stories of our program. With no family history in higher education, they are at a greater risk of never attending college or leaving prematurely,” said Ashley Gonzales, senior director of FGTMP. “Along with programs and resources provided by our office, these scholarships make it possible for first generation college students to reach their full potential by successfully earning a bachelor’s degree.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, members must be active participants within the program by attending academic workshops, social engagement events, community service opportunities, weekly study sessions and peer mentoring interactive sessions. Students must also meet regularly with FGTMP staff for academic progress and guidance sessions. The students eligible for these specific scholarships must be pursuing a degree in the College of Education.
“The CH Foundation makes so many opportunities possible for our College of Education students, and we are very grateful for their continued support,” said Scott Ridley, dean of the College of Education. “Making an education possible for all first generation students is of critical importance, but when you think about these students becoming our future educators, the impact is even more profound.”
FGTMP was created in 2002 with 20 first generation college student members. The program has grown in students and resources extensively the past 15 years. This past year, the program experienced record growth serving over 1,100 undergraduate first-year students.
CONTACT: Ashley Gonzales, senior director, First Generation Transition & Mentoring Programs, Office of Academic Enrichment, Texas Tech University, (806) 742-7060 or ashley.gonzales@ttu.edu.
(News release from Texas Tech University)
