Altria Group Inc. gives $500,000 to Virginia Tech program aiding low-income students

Henrico County-based Altria Group Inc. has given $500,000 to Virginia Tech’s Presidential Scholarship Initiative, making its total contribution to the program $1 million.

The program covers tuition, fees, room and board each year to Virginia students from low-income families.

The company’s first $500,000 donation was made in 2014.

Created in 2008, the Presidential Scholarship Initiative is designed to help keep Virginia Tech accessible to high-achieving students regardless of family income. It targets first-generation college students.

Last year, the program was expanded to serve help more than 80 incoming students a year, up from 55 previously. At the start of this academic year, 272 students were in the program.

Virginia Tech has set a goal of doubling its underrepresented minority enrollment by 2022.

Jennifer Brown, director of the Virginia Tech Student Success Center, coordinates the Presidential Scholarship Initiative’s enrichment programming.

Along with financial aid, students participate in a special orientation program and receive tailored academic support. They also participate in social and community-building activities as a group.