As you begin your scholarship search, you should cast your net far and wide. However, don’t overlook scholarships for students in Texas. In some cases, you might have a better shot at winning a local or state scholarship since these are often less competitive.
Overall, winning scholarships in Texas require at the very minimum good research and organization skills. Take a look at 20 great scholarships for students in Texas and start building your list.
1. Dallas County Promise
Amount: Varies (covers tuition not met by other grants and scholarships)
Application Deadline: Varies (depends on partner college you would like to attend)
Description: A last-dollar scholarship for high school graduates of 57 participating Dallas County Promise high schools in Dallas County. The scholarship covers tuition not covered by grants and scholarships at participating Promise colleges and universities. The application is usually available on October 1.
Website: dallascountypromise.org
2. Houston Community College | Eagle College Promise
Amount: Varies (covers the tuition and fees amount not met by other grants and scholarships; book allowance up to $500 available).
Application Deadline: Check HCC's website
Description & Eligibility: A last-dollar scholarship for high school graduates in the Houston Community College’s (HCC) taxing district. Students must file the FAFSA or TASFA.
Website: hccs.edu
3. Terry Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Full scholarship (covers tuition, books, room & board and misc. exp.) for 8 full semesters
Application Deadline: Check with each participating college.
Description: Applicants must be US and Texas residents. Successful applicants have financial need, strong academic record and community leadership. Applications are submitted through 13 public universities in Texas. Students are then nominated by the universities for interview by the Terry Foundation. Includes a $5,000 stipend for study abroad program.
Website: terryfoundation.org
Check each participating college website for specific application guidelines.
4. Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Application Deadline: March (check website for updated information)
Description: Open to graduating seniors from eligible high schools in Austin, North Texas, Houston and San Antonio who plan to pursue full time studies leading to a bachelor’s degree in the United States. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or more on a 4.0 scale.
Website: lnesc.org
5. Toyota-West Dallas Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Application Deadline: Feb (check website for updated information)
Description: Opens to outstanding students from West Dallas and, in particular, L.G. Pinkston High School graduates.
Website: Toyota West Dallas Scholarship
6. Dallas Mavericks Scholarship Program
Amount: $4,000
Application Deadline: check organization's website
Description: Open to Dallas area students who are currently attending or planning to attend a United Negro College Fund (UNCF) member college. Five merit-based scholarships will be awarded; one reserved for a Paul Quinn College student.
Website: uncf.org
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7. The Pickard Scholarship Fund
Amount: $1,000 (minimum)
Application Deadline: check Dallas Foundation's website
Description: Scholarship for high school seniors graduating from a high school in Dallas County.
Website: dallasfoundation.org
8. Myrna D. Schlegel/AWARE Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Application Deadline: check Dallas Foundation's website
Description: This scholarship is for students who have been accepted to (or current students of) the undergraduate or graduate nursing program at Baylor, Texas Woman's University, or Texas Christian University
Website: thedallasfoundation.org
9. Fort Worth Scottish Rite Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Application Deadline: check organization's website
Description: Open to high school seniors from one of the 33 counties in Fort Worth, TX, planning to pursue studies at a 2-year or 4-year college.
Website: fortworthscottishrite.org
10. George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $20,000 (over 4 years)
Application Deadline: visit website for current information
Description: Geared towards Houston area high school seniors who are US citizens. The scholarship is awarded based on academics and financial need.
Website: hammanfoundation.org
11. Texas Music Educators Five-Year Scholarship
Amount: $2,500 - $3,000 per year (various scholarships)
Application Deadline: Check website for updated information
Description: For graduating high school seniors planning to pursue a music degree program leading to Texas teacher certification with music as the primary teaching field.
Website: tmea.org
12. Horatia Alger Scholarship Program - State Scholarships
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: check website for updated information
Description: This scholarship is open to students from all 50 states, and is especially for students who have overcome adversity.
Website: Horatio Alger Association website
13. Hendrick Scholarship Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March (check the website for updated information)
Description & Eligibility: The scholarship program is open to highly motivated high school seniors from Plano ISD who have overcome adversity and have financial need. This program offers scholarships and other wraparound services, including mentors.
Website: hendrickscholarship.org
14. T.C. Miao & Rosalind Miao Scholarship Fund for Graduating Seniors
Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: April (check website for updated information)
Description: Eligible applicants must be of Chinese ethnic origin and residing in the North Texas area. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Website: Communities Foundation of Texas
15. Harvey Martin Dream Foundation
Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: Check organization's website
Description: The scholarship is available to students currently enrolled in a Dallas Independent School district or a campus accredited by the Texas Education Agency.
Website: harveymartindreamfoundation.org
16. Clarice Tinsley Journalism Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Application Deadline: Check website for updated information
Description & Eligibility: The Texas State Fair awards scholarship to Texas 4-H, FFA and FCCLA students who have competed and placed in the livestock contests at the Texas State Fair.
For more information: BigTex.com
17. Youth Livestock Scholarships
Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Application Deadline: Check website for updated information
Description: Three scholarships fall under this program, including the Clarice Tinsley Journalism Scholarship (listed above). The Fair awards scholarship to Texas 4-H, FFA and FCCLA students who have competed and placed in the livestock contests at the Texas State Fair.
Website: BigTex.com
18. Seasonal Staff Scholarship
Amount: $6,000
Application Deadline: Check website for updated information
Description: Open to students in Texas who serve as seasonal staff members at the Texas State Fair for three or more years. Students must plan to pursue a degree at a two-year, four-year or technical/vocational colleges. Eligible family members of seasonal staff members may also apply.
Website: BigTex.com
19. Youth Livestock Contest Scholarships
Amount: $1,000 to $5,000
Application Deadline: Check website for updated information
Description: Scholarships available to Texas 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students who have won or placed in specific livestock contests at The State Fair of Texas.
Website: BigTex.com
20. Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Application Deadline: June - check website for updated information
Description: Open to children of members of Texas AFL-CIO and the local Central Labor Council. Several scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who plan to attend college or a technical institute.
Website: texasaflcio.org
CONCLUSION
Remember, these are just a few of the fantastic Texas scholarships available to students living in Texas. Be sure to explore each scholarship's website for detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions. With determination, hard work, and the support of these scholarships, your journey towards a brighter future is within reach!
