St. Cloud State University has been presented with a $4,000 scholarship grant from the Mexican Consulate of St. Paul and the Institute of Mexican Abroad.

The grant is intended to expand educational opportunities for Mexican and Mexican-American students through the IME-Becas Scholarship Program. The program is aimed to help low-income students enrolled in basic university and technological education.

Shahzad Ahmad, director of SCSU Multicultural Student Services, says, “It will be great help to support some of our students who need the most financial resources and to enhance our collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in St. Paul.”

SCSU has been working with several institutions in the Mexico and West Coast areas to develop relationships to implement short and long-term study abroad opportunities for students.

Martha Noyola, associate director of Advising and Student Transitions, says, "Our goal is provide students with the tools to succeed academically, professionally and socially by offering financial literacy and career development workshops, mentorship opportunities and have students connect and promote pride and identity in their culture."