Laura Berlinsky-Schine March 24, 2022 4 Scholarships

9 Scholarships in Texas to Save You Thousands on College

What’s Covered:

• 9 Best Scholarships for Texas High School Students
• Tips for Applying to Scholarships

Looking for scholarships in Texas? Niche scholarships can be particularly helpful, since they’re only awarded to students with certain qualities or demographics, meaning you’re competing against a smaller pool. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the top scholarships awarded solely to high school students in Texas.

9 Best Scholarships for Texas High School Students

1. Don’t mess with Texas® Scholarship Contest

Amount: one $5,000, one $4,000, and one $3,000

Deadline: March 31, 2022

Eligibility: High school seniors

Application Requirements: 4 short answers, proof of project impact, school counselor info

In partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful, this scholarship is awarded to Texas high school seniors who intend to study at a two- or four-year college or university next year. The scholarship recognizes students who have assumed a leadership position in preventing litter. Three scholarships of $5,000, $4,000, and $3,000 each (respectively) will be awarded.

2. Society of Professional Women in Petroleum Scholarship

Amount: varies

Deadline: July 3, 2022

Eligibility: Female high school seniors who don’t already have a full college scholarship

Application Requirements: Resume, transcript, SAT/ACT scores, 500-word essay; finalists must attend interview on April 25 in Houston

Any woman attending a high school in Texas may apply for the SPWP Scholarship, regardless of major. Applicants must have financial need and intend to study at a Texas university. According to the organization, SPWP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships already. 

3. PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Deadline: June 5, 2022

Eligibility: High school students 

Application Requirements: Essay, short email indicating interest.

The PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship was established to help support and inspire students to pursue further education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as economics and business. One student will be chosen from the applicant pool and will be awarded based on the strength of their written essay. The selected student will receive $2000 to help cover education-related expenses.

4. Irma Gesche Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: January 31, 2022

Eligibility: College-bound Texas residents

Application Requirements: Essay, 3 reference letters, transcript

This award benefits Texas residents who are planning to attend any accredited two- or four-year college or university. The scholarship is granted based on factors like academic ability, community service, personal development, and financial need.

5. Sandy Schenker Capell Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Deadline: May 27, 2022

Eligibility: Houston-area high school seniors

Application Requirements: List of extracurricular activities and leadership roles, 500-word essay, transcript

Established by the Media Alliance of Houston, this scholarship was created in honor of Sandy Schenker Capell, who was dedicated to mentoring young people. It is awarded to a high school senior interested in pursuing a career in media who shows qualities such as commitment, leadership, motivation, and determination.

6. The Urban Scholarship Fund

Amount: Ranges from $700-$2,000

Deadline: N/A

Eligibility: High school seniors and returning college students who are US citizens or permanent residents; must demonstrate financial need

Students who are attending or have graduated from high schools in the following cities are eligible for this award: 

Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Brownsville, Carrollton, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, El Paso, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Houston, Irving, Killeen, Laredo, Lubbock, McAllen, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, Pasadena, Plano, San Antonio, Waco, and Wichita Falls

The scholarship is available to both seniors and returning college students who study or intend to study at an accredited two- or four-year institution. The amount varies depending on the type of institution the student attends. Students must provide proof of residency, financial need, and high school city.

7. Texas Big Game Awards

Amount: $3,000 (1 award) or $1,500 (8 awards)

Deadline: March 31, 2022

Eligibility: High school seniors and entering college freshmen, juniors, and seniors

Application Requirements: List of activities and achievements, 500-word essay

Open to agriculture and/or natural resource-related majors, nine scholarships in total are awarded. The top prize is given to one student, while eight smaller scholarships are also offered. Recipients must also attend their Regional TBGA Banquet, where they will receive their scholarships.

8. Association of Texas Leaders for Education Scholarship

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: March 15, 2022

Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA. Demonstrated community service. 

Application Requirements: Completed application form, personal essay, high school transcript, 2 letters of recommendation. 

Students who reside in Texas and are graduating seniors planning to attend a Texas school for secondary education are eligible for this scholarship established by the Association of Texas Leaders for Education. The amount is $1,000. This scholarship’s purpose is to promote higher education among Texas students.

9. George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation Scholarship

Amount: $20,000 over 4 years

Deadline: February 16, 2022

Eligibility: Houston-area high school seniors and U.S. citizens with at least 1000 SAT/21 ACT

Students who live in these counties are eligible for this scholarship: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller.

Seventy scholarships are awarded to students planning to attend any four-year United States college or university. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic performance.

Tips for Applying to Scholarships

Applying for scholarships takes time and effort, but when you receive your awards, it will be well worth it. To maximize your chances of success, follow these tips.

• Research each scholarship to ensure you meet the requirements and understand the instructions.
• Apply to numerous scholarships for which you qualify, including niche scholarships geared toward different demographics, such as Texas residents.
• Be thorough with your applications, and have someone else read them before you submit them.
• Create a spreadsheet with deadlines, required materials, and other information.