As a first-generation American and college student, Danny Cano knows the American Dream does not come without hard work.

That is why Cano, a senior biology major at the University of Houston, appreciates how precious each scholarship dollar is. The thousands he has received in scholarships funded by donors to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has meant fewer hours at his various part-time jobs and more time devoted to his studies.

And the studying has paid off: Cano was accepted at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, where he will enroll this fall.

He is just one of many NSM students helped by the scholarships awarded each year by the college and its alumni. In the 2008-2009 academic year, NSM awarded more than half a million dollars in financial assistance to deserving students. The NSM Alumni Association kicked in another $58,000 in scholarships to dozens of students.

These gifts help bright but cash-strapped students like Cano complete their education. But even with assistance, they are still working hard to put themselves through school.

Cano was not content just to get excellent grades. He wanted to graduate debt-free, so to supplement his scholarship money he worked 30 hours a week while taking a full-course load. He juggles tutoring organic chemistry classes, a work-study job in a UH lab and a weekend job at a dentist’s office.

Cano also finds time to serve as a student ambassador for NSM, part of an elite group of NSM students who help with high school recruitment and other activities to represent the college.

Hard work and self-reliance are a way of life for Cano’s family. His parents emigrated from Mexico to southeast Houston, and his father put in long hours as a crane operator to provide for Cano and his two sisters. All three attend UH and are working to put themselves through school.