University of Arizona President Robert Shelton announced Feb. 19 that the university has partnered with Helios Education Foundation to provide scholarships for students from Arizona's low-income families earning $42,000 or less annually.

The university's Arizona Assurance scholarship program has received $2 million from the foundation. The money will allow students to earn undergraduate degrees, completely debt free.

"Arizona Assurance is making the dream of a college education come true for hundreds of students who may have considered college beyond their financial reach," Shelton stated in a Feb. 19 press release.

The program, which began in the fall of 2008, provides money for tuition, room and board and books to about 600 in-state students.

The Arizona Assurance program also provides students with workshops on money management and learning strategies and is funded through a combination of public and private support.  Approximately $1 million in private donations is needed annually to support the programs scholarship component.