Students receive scholarships and emergency support through USAA $1 million contribution

DECEMBER 1, 2020 — The University of Texas at San Antonio has received $1 million from USAA to provide 100 UTSA Bold Promise scholarships for low- to moderate-income minority students. This comes after a $100,000 contribution made earlier this year to support student emergency funds following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UTSA’s Bold Promise program is a new tuition promise initiative designed to provide access to an excellent education for Texas students from low- and middle-income families. One in five first-time freshmen enrolled at the university this semester are participating in the program. Costs are covered by scholarships, grants and tuition exemptions from federal, state and institutional funds.

“USAA’s generosity is having a life-changing impact on so many Roadrunners.”

Additionally, USAA awarded $100,000 to UTSA’s student emergency funds for students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020.

• The Student Emergency Fund was established to provide limited financial assistance for students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an emergency situation. The fund has awarded $86,059 to support nearly 300 students.
  
  
• The Student Tech Fund assists students who need internet access or a personal computer to successfully transition to 100% online instruction during the growing coronavirus pandemic. The fund has given grants totaling $16,290 to 22 students.
  
  
• The Student Veterans Emergency Fund was created to help UTSA students transitioning from the military to civilian life. During this unprecedented global coronavirus pandemic, funds support urgent needs including housing, food, emergency vehicle repairs and assistance with utilities.
  
  
• The Fostering Educational Success Fund supports the well-being of students with a history of foster care—most of whom do not have a traditional family lifeline to help during the coronavirus situation. The fund has awarded $6,196 to 14 students.

“I am sincerely grateful for our longtime relationship with USAA. Their continued support makes it possible for UTSA to create an environment focused on student success,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “USAA’s generosity is having a life-changing impact on so many Roadrunners, helping us to remove the financial hurdles standing between our students and their college degrees.”

USAA’s support directly impacts UTSA’s students’ academic journeys and reduces the number of daily stressors that can distract students from their studies.

“What a message it sends when alumni and other people donate to these assistance funds,” said Gage Martin, a UTSA junior and president of the Roadrunner Student Alumni Association. “It tells me that Roadrunners will take care of other Roadrunners, and it makes me proud to go to UTSA.” 

USAA has aligned with UTSA for over 30 years and continues to extend opportunities for support to the university.

"UTSA is proud to have the support of an organization like USAA—a company focused on elevating its surrounding community and investing in the future of San Antonio by supporting local college students," said UTSA vice president for development and alumni relations, Karl Miller-Lugo. "Our university community is grateful to USAA CEO Wayne Peacock and The USAA Foundation, Inc. president Harriet Dominique for their continued support and belief in our mission on student success."

— Jennilee Garza