AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp wants to create a $30 million fund so students facing “significant hardships” can finish college or graduate school.
Gov. Greg Abbott tapped Sharp as Harvey recovery czar, but the funding would apply to students hit by things like unexpected medical expenses or job losses, in addition to natural disasters.
Announced Wednesday, Sharp’s plan must still be approved by Texas A&M’s Board of Regents, but seeks to offer $3 million annually for a decade.
To be eligible, students would have to have personal or family income of between about $60,000 and $100,000 annually. Sharp said less than that means they’d likely be eligible for federal grants, while more suggests they already have some financial security to overcome hardships.