Going to college is often a difficult transition. For first generation students who don't have family members to show them the way, it can be tougher.
That's why Texas A&M University former student Jim Wilkes '78 has decided to lend a hand and provide an endowment to support Regents' Scholars participating in the Engineering Success Program at Texas A&M.
Wilkes, himself was a first generation student at Texas A&M. He and his wife, Becky, worked hard to pay their way through college. Through scholarships and paid internships, they were able to walk across the stage in 1978 with engineering degrees and little debt.
"They can break the cycle of poverty, and that's not an easy thing to do," Wilkes said. "The retention of these first generation students is something that we feel real strongly aboutgetting them to succeed so they can break that cycle. Our donation is purely motivated by that."
Learn more about Jim Wilkes, Regents' Scholarships and the Engineering Success Program.
Texas A&M Foundation
The Texas A&M Foundation is a nonprofit organization that receives major gifts and manages endowments for Texas A&M University. This year, the Foundation will provide $88.2 million for scholarships, faculty support, leadership programs and construction projects. Request your A&M Support Kit to learn how you can make a difference at Texas A&M through a gift to the Foundation.
That's why Texas A&M University former student Jim Wilkes '78 has decided to lend a hand and provide an endowment to support Regents' Scholars participating in the Engineering Success Program at Texas A&M.
Wilkes, himself was a first generation student at Texas A&M. He and his wife, Becky, worked hard to pay their way through college. Through scholarships and paid internships, they were able to walk across the stage in 1978 with engineering degrees and little debt.
"They can break the cycle of poverty, and that's not an easy thing to do," Wilkes said. "The retention of these first generation students is something that we feel real strongly aboutgetting them to succeed so they can break that cycle. Our donation is purely motivated by that."
Learn more about Jim Wilkes, Regents' Scholarships and the Engineering Success Program.
Texas A&M Foundation
The Texas A&M Foundation is a nonprofit organization that receives major gifts and manages endowments for Texas A&M University. This year, the Foundation will provide $88.2 million for scholarships, faculty support, leadership programs and construction projects. Request your A&M Support Kit to learn how you can make a difference at Texas A&M through a gift to the Foundation.