A native of Brownsville, Texas, Michael Albert Hernandez III owns the Dallas company D & M Leasing. Mike Hernandez III also devotes time to philanthropic activities in Starr and Cameron Counties. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Industrial Distribution, Mike Hernandez III donated more than $1 million to the Texas A&M Foundation to empower initiatives such as the Brownsville Scholars Program.
The Brownsville Scholars Program aims to boost the capability of students to excel for the benefit of the community. It was established after Brownsville was named the poorest city in America in 2013. Data shows that the city’s economically disadvantaged students fail to access college education.
Managed by the Texas A&M Foundation, a nonprofit that works to make higher education more accessible in the state, the Brownsville Scholars Program offers mentorship opportunities and co-curricular enrichment activities. They are also eligible for other benefits, including those listed below.
Internships: Program participants who complete internships in Cameron County receive $1,000. The internships aim to attract students back to South Texas after they have completed their studies.
Scholarships: An endowed scholarship worth $4,500 per year is offered to each low-income or first-generation student to supplement state and federal aid.
Academic Enrichment: Program participants can get up to $4,000 in stipends to enable them take part in academic enrichment initiatives, such as out-of-town conferences and workshops, study abroad programs, and mission work.
Living-Learning Support: Each participant who is part of an on-campus living-learning community receives support in the form of leadership development activities, small group mentorship, and visits from relevant speakers.
Mike Hernandez III 