ANONYMOUS DONOR GIFTS $10 MILLION TO AID PVAMU STUDENTS STRUGGLING DURING PANDEMIC

  

An anonymous donor has gifted $10 million in support of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) students who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons said the donation will be used to establish an initiative to help juniors and seniors impacted by the pandemic to remain enrolled and graduate in a timely fashion.  She said these unrestricted funds, called Panther Success Grants, will be “the critical difference in enabling these students to continue and complete their studies.”

According to the university, in-state, out-of-state, and international students will be eligible for the new scholarship for up to $2,000 per semester, with a maximum of $4,000 per academic year.

PVAMU Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs James Palmer said, “This type of extraordinary generosity supports students on the path toward graduation in spite of incredibly difficult financial stresses due to the pandemic.”

While enrollment at PVAMU has increased slightly this fall, the university said many students and parents report that remaining enrolled will be a significant challenge.

Students will not need to apply for the Panther Success Grants. Awards will begin immediately using the criteria approved by the donor, and will continue until the $10 million fund is disbursed.