Scholarships open doors for first-generation students

For students in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, pursuing a degree is often about more than earning a diploma. Approximately 25% of students in the College are first-generation, many carrying the hopes of their families and hometowns, determined to turn their education into lasting change.

The Regents’ Scholars Program helps many of these students navigate the challenges of college through financial support, personalized mentorship and a network of faculty, staff and peers who are invested in their success.

With more than 450 students in the College currently participating in this university-wide program, it is a vital part of the College’s commitment to supporting all students.

“Our Regents’ Scholars bring passion, resilience and a commitment to their own success that strengthens our student body every day,” said Jenna Kurten, Ph.D., assistant dean for student success. Kurten leads the College’s work with the Regents’ Scholars Program along with the Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Success Team.

Among the Regents’ Scholars are David Martinez ’28, a freshman beginning his College tenure, and Halayna Jones ’27, a sophomore who has already grown into a leader after just one year in the program.

Their experiences show how the Regents’ Scholars Program provides far more than the four-year, $6,000-per-year scholarship by offering mentorship, community and the confidence to thrive as first-generation students.

Halayna Jones ’27: Finding belonging and confidence

Jones, a sophomore in the Department of Animal Science from Baytown, said the Regents’ Scholarship turned her dream of attending Texas A&M into reality.

“I come from a single-parent household, so scholarships were definitely important,” she said. “Getting the Regents’ Scholarship assured me that college could happen for me.”

Beyond the financial support, the program helped Jones find her place on campus. As a first-generation student, smaller spaces provided comfort and community, and events like the annual Regents’ Scholars Dinner offered connection and celebration.

One of her most meaningful experiences came through a study abroad trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, during her freshman year, an opportunity she credits to Kurten, her mentor. Kurten teaches college-level courses as an instructional assistant professor in the Department of Hospitality, Hotel Management and Tourism.

“Dr. Kurten helped make unrealistic possibilities feel reachable,” Jones said. “She’s someone I can go to without pressure or stress.”

Jones works part-time while taking classes and participating in campus organizations. She also utilizes university resources like those offered by University Health Services, which she said she would not have known existed if it weren’t for the program.

“Without this scholarship, I’d probably be working full time and going to community college back home,” she said. “This gave me the chance to be here and grow without additional financial stress.”

David Martinez ’28: Getting a strong start

Martinez, an animal science major from Wharton, was raised by a single mother, who he said taught him to be strong, patient and committed — values that shaped his educational goals.

“My sister used to bring me A&M merch when I was little, and I always dreamed of coming here,” he said.

Martinez grew up around livestock and agriculture, raising cows, chickens and even a miniature pig. When he learned about Texas A&M’s top-ranked animal science program, it felt like the perfect fit, but only if he could find the financial assistance to make it happen.

Thanks to the Regents’ Scholarship, Martinez is able to focus on studying what he’s passionate about in an excellent program instead of worrying about how to afford it.

“When I found out I was eligible, it felt like a blessing,” he said. “It made me feel like I belonged here.”

Now finishing his first year as an Aggie, Martinez is actively involved in the Saddle and Sirloin Club and Texas Farm Bureau student organization. He’s already had hands-on experiences, including conducting ultrasounds on pregnant sheep, which was an early highlight in his college career.

The Regents’ Scholars Program has also helped him grow both personally and professionally.

“I’ve become more open and social,” he said. “At events like the Regents’ Scholar Dinner, I connected with classmates and professionals. It brought out a more confident side in me that I didn’t know was there.”

Looking ahead, Martinez hopes to pursue internships, research and possibly veterinary school at Texas A&M. Another option is to become a vet tech, which would combine his love for animals and people.

“It’s a lot of pressure to be the first in your family to do this,” he said. “But it’s also motivation. You want to give it your all.”

A foundation for the future

For Jones and Martinez, the Regents’ Scholars Program has already made a lasting impact. Within the program, they have found the tools to grow both academically and personally.

“I have learned that asking for help is OK and that people want to see me succeed,” Martinez said. “The community with Regents’ Scholars has given me the support to navigate college and enjoy it.”

Jones echoed the importance of finding community as a first-generation student.

“It is easy to feel out of place,” she said. “This program has helped me feel more confident, make meaningful connections and realize that I belong here.”

Within the College, the Regents’ Scholars Program continues to open doors for students like Jones and Martinez, helping them turn uncertainty into belonging and ambition into achievement.

To learn more about the Regents’ Scholars Program, visit the Office for Student Success informational page.