EDINBURG, Texas - The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Director of Athletics Chris King announced today that the NCAA has awarded UTPA a $40,000 grant from the NCAA Division I Academic Performance Program Supplemental Support Fund (SSF). The funding will be used during the 2011-12 academic year.

The grant money will be used primarily to renovate the P.O.W.E.R. (Promote Overall Wellness, Excellence and Responsibility) student-athlete learning assistance center. Funds will allow for updated structural changes and to purchase new furniture, which will enhance the overall learning environment of the facility.

"A core value in our mission statement is to develop our Bronc student-athletes not only athletically, but academically and socially as well," Director of Athletics Chris King said. "This grant allows us to improve the services provided to our student-athletes, which makes it a great win for UTPA."

UTPA Associate Athletic Director for Student Services and Senior Woman Administrator Angela Hubbard led the team that applied for the grant. Also assisting with the process were, UTPA Executive Director for Student Support Services Richard Trevino, Learning Assistance Center Director Terri Garcia, UTPA Project Manager for Facilities Marta Salinas-Hovar, and Grant Writer Felipe Salinas.

“Academic success is extremely important to us and we want to make sure that we are giving our athletes the best opportunity to succeed,” Hubbard said. “With the renovation of the P.O.W.E.R Center we will be able to better monitor the progress of our student-athletes as well as provide them with the adequate space needed to fulfill their academic needs.”

The NCAA provides this supplemental funding for the purpose of improving UTPA's NCAA Academic Progress Rate results and enhancing student-athletes' progress toward graduation.

“We are very appreciative to the NCAA for recognizing our commitment to our student-athletes and this grant will help us to service them even more efficiently,” Hubbard added. “We would also like to thank the entire team for their hard work in helping us receive these funds.”