Texas A&M Offers 400 Scholarships To Freshmen Affected By Harvey

Texas A&M University announced a new scholarship program Thursday for incoming freshmen who have suffered hardship from Hurricane Harvey. The Texas A&M Resilience Scholarship is the result of a 50/50 funding partnership between the Texas A&M Foundation and The Texas A&M Association of Former Students.

Up to 400 qualifying students affected by Hurricane Harvey who are accepted into Texas A&M as freshmen for the fall 2018 semester will be awarded a one-year, $2,500 scholarship.

"Texans have already undergone so much devastation from the hurricane, it would be disheartening if students had to delay or not attend college because of losses their families sustained from this disaster," Texas A&M President Michael K. Young said. "It is an honor to be able to provide incoming students this head start to help ensure their success and we look forward to welcoming them to Aggieland."

To accommodate the program, Texas A&M has extended its fall 2018 application deadline to Jan. 2, 2018.
Joseph Pettibon, Texas A&M’s vice president for enrollment and academic services, echoes Young’s sentiment, saying he’s proud that the university has taken this initiative to assist fellow Texans.

"Our hearts go out to those families who’ve lost homes, businesses and personal possessions in the storm," Pettibon said. "It is our fervent wish that this program provides hope and help to those hardest hit. I’d like to thank the Texas A&M Foundation, The Association of Former Students and all those who have helped make this program possible."

"Texas A&M has long been a launching pad for first generation college students to pursue their dreams," said Porter Garner ’79, president and CEO of The Association of Former Students. "Throughout our 139 years of support to Texas A&M, The Association of Former Students has willingly stepped in when needed to help support unexpected needs of our university and students. We’re proud to welcome these students into the Aggie Network and provide this additional financial assistance to these students as they rebound from the impacts of Hurricane Harvey."

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be current permanent residents of one of the 41 counties in Texas identified by FEMA for individual assistance. Those designated counties are: Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Brazoria, Caldwell, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Lee, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Refugio, Sabine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller and Wharton.

Texas A&M Foundation President Tyson Voelkel notes the scholarship program is an excellent investment for the future.

"No student should be denied their chance at a higher education due to a natural disaster," Voelkel said. "Helping those affected to attend Texas A&M will be a phenomenal return on investment for the university and the state of Texas."

Only fall 2018 applicants who are first-generation college students and who have never attended college will be eligible. And to qualify, annual gross family income must be less than $80,000. Priority will be determined based on need.

To be considered, students must complete the FASFA or TASFA aid applications with Texas A&M Scholarships & Financial Aid.

Students who have already applied for fall 2018 admission will be considered based on the above criteria.

This scholarship program is in addition to the university’s ongoing commitment to serving prospective students. Texas A&M maintains outreach to high schools across the state through its Prospective Student Centers, in addition to hosting thousands of visiting prospective students and their families on campus each year for tours, camps and other activities.

Image: Teddy bears damaged by floodwaters lie in a pile a debris outside a home that was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)