New Grant Aims to Ease Students’ Financial Burdens
With $750,000 in new funding, the university is helping students overcome financial barriers and reach the graduation stage faster.
East Texas A&M University recently received a $750,000 Student Success Completion Grant to provide financial aid to third- and fourth-year students. The financial assistance will help offset the total cost of college attendance and encourage students to stay in school and graduate on time.
Funded by an anonymous donor, this transformative grant will help students close critical financial gaps that can hinder their progress toward completion.
Cost and affordability remain among the top concerns for college students. As one of the most cost-effective universities in the Northeast Texas region, East Texas A&M is committed to helping students graduate without incurring additional financial burden.
“The Student Success Completion Grant represents a lifeline for many of our students who are doing everything right academically but are often one emergency or financial shortfall away from stopping out,” said Dr. Jayson Douglas, executive director of Student Access and Success.
He added: “This investment allows us to meet students where they are, reaffirm our commitment to their success, and remove barriers that can prevent them from achieving their educational goals.”
Students do not need to apply to receive the funds; the funds are awarded automatically to eligible students.
The Student Success Completion Grant aligns with East Texas A&M's broader Student-Ready Campus initiative, which combines academic support, financial wellness, and holistic student services to promote student success.
Through this new funding, eligible students will receive targeted financial assistance designed to:
- Encourage full-time enrollment and reduce time to degree completion
- Offset unexpected or unmet financial need
- Support academic momentum for students nearing graduation
- Reinforce the university's mission of transforming lives and fostering student readiness
“We are deeply grateful to the anonymous donor for their vision and generosity, which has inspired additional investments to assist with student persistence and retention.” said Devin Girod, vice president of Philanthropy and Engagement. “This grant underscores the power of partnership and the impact of giving can have on students' lives.”
For more information about the Student Success Completion Grant or financial assistance opportunities at East Texas A&M, visit etamu.edu/money-management-center or contact [email protected].