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News

Achievers receives gift

Twenty students in special CMAS program will benefit from donation

by LORI MARTINEZ
The Daily Cougar

A $75,000 donation was given to the Center for Mexican American Studies by Bank of America to serve as aid for the 20 students in the Academic Achievers Program.

The money will support scholarships and help pay for books and tutors. 

"Basically, we requested that money for scholarships and to help the students to graduate from college," Rebeca Trevino, AAP program manager, said. "Twenty were selected to be part of the scholars program."

Last year, 12 students were part of the program, which has been part of the Mexican-American studies program at UH for years.

AAP provides on-call tutors who are available to help students. Mentorship programs, leadership skills programs and career guidance are also offered.

When negotiating on the amount of funds to award in the form of scholarships, CMAS and Bank of America needed to make sure the recipients were going to eventually graduate college. This year, AAP selected juniors.

"First there was a proposal, a foundation that was set to use the money to help our students that are part of our program -- the Academic Achievers," Trevino said.

Bank of America wanted to make sure that these students were going to be monitored by faculty and were on track for graduation.

"We selected juniors; we looked into the grades; we looked into some of the similar majors, like we looked into more of the business communications majors," Trevino said.

Awards of up $2,500 a year will be provided. The selected students must possess a strong will to finish college and show dedication to the program and its donors, Trevino said.

"They have a commitment with being Bank of America scholars as well to Academic Achievers," Trevino said.

It is necessary that students abide by the requirements of the program once they receive the scholarships, she said.

Students who receive the awards are required to complete study hall hours, attend monthly meetings, to participate in AAP events such as workshops and seminars, and to participate in AAP's leadership retreat. 

CMAS works with students who enroll at UH and helps them with scholarship money and other resources to promote a good college experience, Trevino said.

"I guess the confusion comes with the name, you know, being Mexican-Americans. It is not limited. 

Anyone can apply to the program. Anyone that is qualified will be considered to the program," Trevino said.

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