A scholarship which funds about 400 Iowa high school graduates each year was awarded an additional $7 million Friday, according to a press release.

The scholarship, The Hixson Opportunity Award, is a need based scholarship awarded to those who face financial hardship which may prohibit them from getting a degree. The funding will be split in two ways, with $5 million designated to the scholarship endowment and $2 million designated to endow the Hixon Opportunity Awards Program.

The funding was provided by the Lied Foundation of Las Vegas, Nev., through its trustee, Christina Nixon, is a native Iowan and created the scholarship. According to the press release, the $7 million commitment made by the Lied Foundation Trust is part of “Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose,” a $800 million fundraising effort.