The money comes from the federal "Hispanic Serving Institutions Program". Hispanic students represent a large demographic group in the Central Valley.  

Dave Tonelli is with the university.

"As state funding has eroded one thing that's in short supply at the university is the people to run all the programs that we need to have. So this money is definitely going to help us with the folks and the time and the resources we need to be able to direct at this issue."  

Tonelli says the grant will help CSU Stanislaus and local community colleges develop a comprehensive transfer program for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.

The money will be spread out over a five-year period.

The first installment of $1 million has already been awarded for the current academic year.