Midwestern State University receives $50,000 from Greater Texas Foundation

            Special funding for academic year 2008-09 will give some students extra help in paying college expenses.

            The Greater Texas Foundation has approved grants for $50,000 to be split between the Generation Proud Scholarship Program ($25,000) and the Rising to the Challenge Scholarship Program ($25,000).

            The Generation Proud program is meant to encourage and support first generation college students. MSU will use these funds to draw several target student populations to our institution. First generation college students interested in elementary education or secondary education teaching fields, majors in health science fields such as nursing, and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) will be targeted. These are examples of fields of study that are notoriously difficult areas in which to recruit students, particularly first generation college students. These funds will allow MSU to offer incentives to first generation college students who are interested in majoring in these critical fields of study which will also contribute to the reduction of these shortages in the state of Texas.

            In the same way, the Rising to the Challenge scholarship program is meant to encourage and support students making the transition from a community college setting to a four-year institution of higher education. These funds, with a maximum award of $2,000 for the academic year) will also be used initially to assist students who are majoring in STEM fields, health sciences (particularly nursing), or education. Lesser awards will be made to students who are pursuing other academic fields of study.

            Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply for the scholarships through the MSU Admissions Office.

            The Greater Texas Foundation has functioned as a charitable foundation since 2001. In addition to the creation of multiple scholarship endowments, the foundation currently supports excellence in education through initiatives that improve math and science education at all levels; increase access to higher education for all students; provide skill enhancement and induction-program opportunities for teachers; and/or encourage parental and community involvement in education.