Prairie View A&M University announced the receipt of a $10 million gift to assist students in their pursuit of successful college completion. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to invest in PVAMU by easing many students’ financial burdens.

The pandemic-related trauma and a virtual college experience are impacting student performance, which is being exacerbated by the stress of staying healthy while also applying to graduate school or job searching for their career after graduation.

“I am pleased to announce that the generosity of an anonymous donor will allow the university to establish an initiative to assist juniors and seniors impacted by the COVID-19 crisis to re- main enrolled and graduate on a timely basis,” said PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons. “Called Panther Success Grants, these unrestricted funds will be the critical difference in enabling these students to continue and complete their studies.”

Job loss due to COVID-19 has, in many instances, impeded working students’ ability to pay even small un- funded portions of the cost of college. Where such students face a shortfall in funding, the Panther Success Grants will be able to fill in that shortfall.

More About The Panther Success Grants:

Student benefits include:

• Awards up to $2,000 per se- mester; $4,000 max annually • In-state, out-of-state, and in- ternational students are eligible for consideration

As a top producer of African American architects, engineers, and nurses, the substantial gift is an- other confirmation of the pivotal role PVAMU serves in changing under- served students’ lives, and the impact and contribution graduates have in the communities they call home.

Details on the award process are located here: www.PVAMU.edu/faid/types-of- aid/panther-success-grant/