EDINBURG — There's big news at the University of Texas Pan American as administrators recently announced a half million dollar grant that will be used to help first generation high school students pursue college.

Nearly 70% of UT Pan Am's entering freshmen come from homes whose parents do not have a college degree. To add to this alarming statistic, 40% of UTPA's student body population has a family income of less than $20,000. While these aspiring teachers, entrepreneurs, nurses, artists and other career professionals face tough challenges while pursuing their dreams of a higher education, many are able to make their way through school with scholarships thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors.