SHAPIRO ACCEPTS DONATION FOR TEXAS GRANTS PROGRAM

(Austin) — Senate Education Committee Chair Senator Florence Shapiro was joined by Higher Education Commissioner Raymund Paredes and members of the Texas Retailers Education Foundation (TREF) Wednesday for the presentation of a $190,000 donation to the TEXAS Grants program. This marks the fourth contribution from the TREF to the state financial aid program, for a total of $870,000. Shapiro authored the bill in 2005 that allows private companies and organizations to make donations to state programs. She applauded the TREF for its commitment helping deserving students go to college.

Commissioner Paredes also praised the organization. "There is no more significant investment that individuals and corporations or organizations can make in Texas than investing in the educational experiences for our young people, particularly providing them with the opportunity to go to college," he said.

According to Shapiro, TEXAS Grants benefit more than 90,000 students in the state. Students who demonstrate appropriate need and complete the recommended high school curriculum are eligible for the program, which pays for tuition and fees at state public schools.

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