“At the time, I wasn't confident with college because I was just thinking about working after high school, I wasn't sure I'd be able to afford it,” Xitlally said. “The scholarship made me realize I could think about doing more. It makes me so happy because I don't have to worry about paying for school."
For 15 UT Permian Basin students, the dream of earning a college degree comes with something many students only hope for: the opportunity to graduate debt-free.
Through a new partnership with the Hector and Gloria López Foundation, UTPB welcomed its first cohort of López Scholars this fall. The scholarship program supports first-generation Latino students from Central, South, and West Texas by covering the cost of attendance and providing personalized support throughout their college journey.
The foundation partners with 13 universities across Texas to help students not only reach graduation but also prepare for successful careers and futures beyond college.
“Our scholarship dollars go beyond the basic cost of attendance (like tuition, room & board) to ensure that scholars have the support they need to excel through graduation and beyond – such as mentoring and tutoring, leadership and career development,” the Hector and Gloria López Foundation said.
In addition to financial assistance, scholars can receive support for internships, study abroad opportunities, career preparation, and leadership development.
At UTPB, that support is led by López Scholars Program Manager Maci Gregory.
"It's full support throughout college, and after college, if they'd like to go to graduate school or something, just to make sure these students are successful. It's truly like they won the lottery," Maci said.
As students adjust to college life, Maci serves as a mentor and guide, connecting them with resources across campus and helping them navigate everything from class schedules and tutoring services to career development opportunities.
For students like Xitlally Rodriguez and Jordan Mendoza, that support has already made a lasting impact.
A Future Made Possible
Xitlally Rodriguez, a freshman criminology major, wasn't always certain that college was within reach.
Growing up between Mission, Texas, and the Permian Basin, she explored several college options while weighing the financial realities of higher education. During the summer after high school, she began working at Midland Memorial Hospital as she considered what her next steps might be.
Then she received a phone call that changed everything.
Xitlally had been selected as a López Scholar.
“At the time, I wasn't confident with college because I was just thinking about working after high school, I wasn't sure I'd be able to afford it,” Xitlally said. “The scholarship made me realize I could think about doing more. It makes me so happy because I don't have to worry about paying for school."
Today, Xitlally is fully embracing the college experience. She lives on campus, spends time with friends, takes advantage of tutoring resources, and explores opportunities to get involved in student organizations.
Without the burden of worrying about how to pay for college, she can focus on her education and future goals.
Building a Dream Close to Home
For freshman electrical engineering major Jordan Mendoza, UTPB offered the opportunity to pursue his passion for engineering without leaving Odessa.
Like many students, Jordan had concerns about how he would pay for college. When he received the email notifying him that he had been selected as a López Scholar, he could hardly believe it.
“I was excited to tell my dad,” Jordan said. “We were worried about how we were going to pay for me to go to school, and when I realized what this scholarship meant, I got really excited.”
As a first-generation college student, Jordan says the mentorship and guidance provided through the program have been just as valuable as the financial support.
“The support means a lot. They helped me enroll for my classes, make sure that I was prepared for my first day of class, and helping me with anything I've needed,” Jordan said.
Looking ahead, Jordan hopes to pursue an internship in the aerospace industry and is already working with Maci to identify opportunities that he can apply for.
More Than a Scholarship
For UTPB's inaugural cohort of López Scholars, the program provides more than financial assistance. It offers a network of support, mentorship, and opportunities designed to help students thrive throughout college and beyond.
For students like Xitlally and Jordan, the scholarship has removed barriers and opened doors to possibilities that once felt out of reach.
As the partnership between UTPB and the Hector and Gloria López Foundation continues to grow, these students are proving what can happen when potential is met with opportunity.
Through a new partnership with the Hector and Gloria López Foundation, UTPB welcomed its first cohort of López Scholars this fall. The scholarship program supports first-generation Latino students from Central, South, and West Texas by covering the cost of attendance and providing personalized support throughout their college journey.
The foundation partners with 13 universities across Texas to help students not only reach graduation but also prepare for successful careers and futures beyond college.
“Our scholarship dollars go beyond the basic cost of attendance (like tuition, room & board) to ensure that scholars have the support they need to excel through graduation and beyond – such as mentoring and tutoring, leadership and career development,” the Hector and Gloria López Foundation said.
In addition to financial assistance, scholars can receive support for internships, study abroad opportunities, career preparation, and leadership development.
At UTPB, that support is led by López Scholars Program Manager Maci Gregory.
"It's full support throughout college, and after college, if they'd like to go to graduate school or something, just to make sure these students are successful. It's truly like they won the lottery," Maci said.
As students adjust to college life, Maci serves as a mentor and guide, connecting them with resources across campus and helping them navigate everything from class schedules and tutoring services to career development opportunities.
For students like Xitlally Rodriguez and Jordan Mendoza, that support has already made a lasting impact.
A Future Made Possible Xitlally Rodriguez, a freshman criminology major, wasn't always certain that college was within reach.
Growing up between Mission, Texas, and the Permian Basin, she explored several college options while weighing the financial realities of higher education. During the summer after high school, she began working at Midland Memorial Hospital as she considered what her next steps might be.
Then she received a phone call that changed everything.
Xitlally had been selected as a López Scholar.
“At the time, I wasn't confident with college because I was just thinking about working after high school, I wasn't sure I'd be able to afford it,” Xitlally said. “The scholarship made me realize I could think about doing more. It makes me so happy because I don't have to worry about paying for school."
Today, Xitlally is fully embracing the college experience. She lives on campus, spends time with friends, takes advantage of tutoring resources, and explores opportunities to get involved in student organizations.
Without the burden of worrying about how to pay for college, she can focus on her education and future goals.
Building a Dream Close to Home
For freshman electrical engineering major Jordan Mendoza, UTPB offered the opportunity to pursue his passion for engineering without leaving Odessa.
Like many students, Jordan had concerns about how he would pay for college. When he received the email notifying him that he had been selected as a López Scholar, he could hardly believe it.
“I was excited to tell my dad,” Jordan said. “We were worried about how we were going to pay for me to go to school, and when I realized what this scholarship meant, I got really excited.”
As a first-generation college student, Jordan says the mentorship and guidance provided through the program have been just as valuable as the financial support.
“The support means a lot. They helped me enroll for my classes, make sure that I was prepared for my first day of class, and helping me with anything I've needed,” Jordan said.
Looking ahead, Jordan hopes to pursue an internship in the aerospace industry and is already working with Maci to identify opportunities that he can apply for.
More Than a Scholarship
For UTPB's inaugural cohort of López Scholars, the program provides more than financial assistance. It offers a network of support, mentorship, and opportunities designed to help students thrive throughout college and beyond.
For students like Xitlally and Jordan, the scholarship has removed barriers and opened doors to possibilities that once felt out of reach.
As the partnership between UTPB and the Hector and Gloria López Foundation continues to grow, these students are proving what can happen when potential is met with opportunity.
