TUCSON, AZ (AZFamily) — The Department of Justice says it will not defend the Hispanic-Serving Institutions grant program that’s currently being challenged in court.

The program gives out hundreds of millions of dollars to colleges and universities with at least 25% full-time Hispanic students. Several colleges and universities in Arizona qualify, such as the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University.

“I feel a lot of pride, you know, being able to step into spaces that other people in my family haven’t been able to,” said University of Arizona senior Vannessa Cardenas.

Cardenas is a first-generation college student studying medicine, intending to get a doctorate in occupational therapy.

“Just being able to show the younger generations as well

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