The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers (RGVSG) today announced the establishment of a scholarship endowment through the Texas A&M Foundation. The endowment establishes the Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. Foundation Excellence Award and will benefit minorities and economically disadvantaged students in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties.

“Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers understand the value and importance of a college education, but we know that such a dream is often out of reach for some Valley students,” said RGVSG president and CEO Steve Bearden. “The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. Foundation Excellence Award will help more students reach their full potential.”

The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers Inc. Foundation Excellence Award will fund awards to full-time Texas A&M University at College Station students in good standing who are pursuing a degree in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“A well educated workforce is crucial to the future of Valley agriculture and for our region’s continued prosperity and growth,” said Bearden. “Our Foundation Excellence Award is a way to reach out and ensure minorities and economically disadvantaged youth have the ability to become a part of the Aggie family with its rich traditions, culture, and sense of community.”

In addition to the endowed scholarship, the RGVSG board of directors approved a one-time, four-year $8,000 scholarship award through the Texas A&M Foundation.

The Foundation Excellence Award program was established in 1999 and helps the university recruit and retain outstanding, under-represented students. Students and families may learn more about the program by clicking here.