The Austin-based Hector and Gloria López Foundation (HGLF) has announced a grant of $1.4 million to Texas A&M-Kingsville in support of first-generation Latinx students. 

The grant, which will provide full tuition assistance to 15 first-generation Latinx students, is the latest in a series of similar awards to the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA), which received $2.4 million to assist 15 first-generation Latinx students, and Texas State University, which was awarded $1.79 million. HGLF plans to award a total of $8.8 million to five Texas institutions: Texas A&M International, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas State University, St. Edward’s University, and UTSA.

Beginning in the fall of 2023 and for the next five years, López Scholars will receive support for tuition and fees, as well as other resources including mentorship, tutoring, housing, study abroad programs, paid internships, and leadership development. 

“Texas A&M-Kingsville has proven to support students from all backgrounds so they can achieve their professional and educational goals,” said HGLF chief executive Sergio Rodríguez, who is a nephew of Hector and Gloria López.  “We’re proud to partner with Texas A&M-Kingsville, one of the first universities designated as a Hispanic-serving institution, due to its long history of serving our community and the focus on serving first-generation students.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/fstop)