Stephen F. Austin State University

Six first-generation students at Stephen F. Austin State University received $5,000 scholarships from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages to help with their financial needs so they can continue their studies at the university. The scholarships were awarded through an SFA Student Success Center program called Generation Jacks, an extended learning community for students who are the first in their families to achieve four-year college educations. GenJacks members take classes together, participate in service activities and host social events for the GenJacks community.

Since 2009, representatives from each of SFA's six colleges have selected outstanding undergraduate student research from the previous calendar year. The best individual or group research project within each college and one from a non-SFA institution is awarded the top scholar title; SFA top scholars receive $500, while the non-SFA top scholar receives a scholarship to SFA. Additional outstanding student research projects are selected per college, and these finalists present during the conference's poster session.