Counseling

Medical Professions has a powerful group of counselors, social workers and diagnostics to support our students daily.

They invest their time in seeing that our students excel in-and-out of the classroom, by providing mentoring opportunities, and seeing through that students are getting the academic assistance needed to tackle STISD's challenging course curriculum.

Not only do they provide social and personal guidance, but they see through that students are not only accepted into a college or university of their choosing, but are prepared to lead at the collegiate level and in their future careers once they graduate from one of our four high schools.

Counseling Services

Request a Transcript

For transcript requests, please email: dina.romo@stisd.net.

Please include the following information:

Official transcript (in a closed envelope with school seal) OR Unofficial transcript without school seal
Name of university/college of where you would like for it to be sent
Request Supplemental documents such as Immunization Record or TSI scores

After submission, please remember to check your email for reply. If Mrs. Romo needs to discuss the request with you, she will call you out of class. Please make sure you give yourself plenty of time in case there is a deadline.

Disclaimer: Please consider that weekends, non-working days and/or holidays will delay the process, so plan accordingly.

Schedule Change Form

To request a schedule change, please email your counselor.

A-GOM: Jordan Castanon | jordan .castanon@stisd.net
GON-O: Mayela Solana | mayela.solana@stisd.net
P-Z: Luz Zamora | luz.zamora@stisd.net

Please include the following information:

Name of class in which you are currently scheduled
Name of class that you wish to take in its place
Reason for your request

Students: Once you have emailed your request to your counselor, please remember to check your email for reply. If counselors need to discuss the change with you, you may be called out of class. Please do not lose instructional time by leaving your class to come see the counselor. Once the schedule has been adjusted you will need to follow the new schedule.

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Academics

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Medical School Partnerships

Texas First Early High School Completion Program

Click here to access the Texas First Diploma Program flyer

Texas First Diploma One-Pager THECB August 2022

Senate Bill 1888, 87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, added Texas Education Code §28.0253, which establishes the Texas First Early High School Completion Program to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school. The purpose of the Program, in conjunction with the Texas First Scholarship Program, is to promote efficiency in the state public education system and incentivize the enrollment of high performing students at eligible institutions within the state of Texas.

As one of Texas' top students, your child may be eligible to accelerate his/her path to college and receive a scholarship for one or two semesters at one of the following Texas universities:

Texas A&M University
Texas State University
Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at El Paso
University of Houston
University of North Texas
The University of Texas at San Antonio

Please encourage your child to talk to his or her counselor today to see if this exciting new opportunity is the right path!

Scholarship Listing: Fall 2025

Scholarship Search Engine

Appily:	https://www.appily.com/scholarships
Sholarships360:	https://scholarships360.org/
Bold.org:	https://bold.org/
GoingMerry:	https://goingmerry.com/
Fastweb:	https://fastweb.com
CollegeBoard:	https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search
Immigrants Rising:	https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Innovation in Education Scholarship

Deadline: Opens the 1st of each month and closes the 20th of each month
Description: At LA Tutors 123, we believe that it’s more than just the grades that make a great well-rounded student. Each one of you is creative in his or her own way: some of you blog; others curate documentary photography on Instagram; still others find imaginative ways to solve problems in their public and private lives. Creativity is the air each one of us breathes, but sometimes we get so concerned with grades that we forget that imagination is our natural problem solver. One way to showcase your creativity is to innovate either by solving a problem, by designing something that helps others solve problems, or by enhancing our relationship with whatever matters to us. Innovation is what brings our technical skills and our hopes together in unique ways. It also provides opportunities for gaining real-working experience in a chosen field and gives students the chance to connect with professionals outside their circle who might be able to help students get into their top choice program. In the end, innovation makes people look at the bigger picture, which is the best preparation for college, graduate programs, and more. We at LA Tutors are passionate about sparking the creative genius in students and would love to commend those outstanding students who have a made a difference in the lives of others in some innovative or technological fashion. In order to achieve this, we have established a scholarship for students who meet certain criteria.
Eligibility: High school senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0, U.S. Citizen, must have designed an innovative project that makes a difference in the lives of others (this could be a website, series of blogs, an app, fundraising event, etc.)
Amount: $500
Website: https://www.latutors123.com/scholarships/innovation-in-education/

Nitro Scholarship Sweepstakes

Deadline: End of each Month
Description: Nitro cares about providing you the resources needed to successfully navigate financing college. That’s why we’re offering you the opportunity to earn a $2,000 scholarship. We know that college is a big step forward in achieving your goals and we want to help you get there using all the tools Nitro has to offer.
Eligibility: legal resident of the US, 17 years of age or older, currently enrolled as a high school senior.
Amount: $2,000
Website: https://www.nitrocollege.com/nitro-scholarship-application

Too Cool to Pay for School

Deadline: Ending quarterly (March, June, September & December)
Description: The “Too Cool to Pay for School” scholarship is part of our contribution to helping students save money for higher education. The scholarship can be used to cover education-related expenses such as tuition, textbooks, housing, technology, and other fees.
Eligibility: Open to high school, college, and graduate school students of all years. Must be currently enrolled full time (in high school or at an accredited university) or planning on enrolling within 24 months.
Amount: $1,000
Website: https://accessscholarships.com/1k-too-cool-to-pay-for-school/

Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship

Deadline: Last day of March, June, September and December
Description: The Home Depot Foundation works to improve the homes and lives of U.S. veterans, train skilled tradespeople to fill the labor gap and support communities impacted by natural disasters. The Foundation has pledged to invest $50 million in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople and bridging the opportunity gap through its Path to Pro program. We want to help create the next generation of skilled trade leaders by providing scholarships to further your education
Eligibility: Be a high school senior, high school graduate or have a GED equivalent. Plan to enroll, or be enrolled, in an approved trade-related program at an accredited two-year school (technical/vocational school or college) in the United States. Not be an employee or dependent of an employee of the The Home Depot. Employees of The Home Depot and their dependents are eligible to apply for a scholarship from The Homer Fund. Programs of Study: Carpentry, Construction Management, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing or another building-related field.
Amount: $2,500 Construction Careers Scholarships
Website: https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/skillpointefoundation_homedepot-pathtopro

The Gates Scholarship

Deadline: September 15, 2025
Description: The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.
Eligibility: High school senior with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on 4.0 scale (or equivalent), pell-eligible, US. Citizen, national or permanent resident. An ideal candidate will have an outstanding academic record, demonstrated leadership ability, exceptional personal success skills. Additionally, a student must plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program, at a US accredited, not-for-profit, private or public college or university.
Amount: Full cost of attendance* that is not already covered by other financial aid and the Student Aid Index, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university.
Website: https://www.thegatesscholarship.org/scholarship

DDSRank Dental Scholarship

Deadline: September 20, 2025
Description: At DDSRank, we understand the value of investing in the future of dentistry. While our business is offering SEO for dentists, we also want to help future dentists make it through school. That’s why we’ve created The DDSRank Dental Scholarship.
Eligibility: To apply, you must be enrolled in high school (seniors only), college or graduate school. Enrollment will be verified by DDSRank. Applicants must be United States residents.
Amount: $500
Website: https://www.ddsrank.com/scholarship/

Questbridge National College Match Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2025
Description: QuestBridge designs and builds programs for talented low-income students to access and navigate exceptional educational and life opportunities. QuestBridge recruits, develops, and supports motivated low-income students – beginning in high school through college to their early career –to be successful at America’s best colleges, graduate schools, and companies.
Eligibility: High school seniors, regardless of citizenship, currently attending high school in the U.S. and planning to attend college the fall after graduation, and U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad. Earning primarily A’s in the most challenging courses offered. Demonstrating strong writing skills and intellectual curiosity, plus resilience, integrity, and motivation to succeed. Typically from a household earning less than $65,000 annually with minimal assets (for a household of four members).
Amount: Full 4 Year Scholarship to one of 40 of college partners
Website: https://apply.questbridge.org/apply/

Coca-Cola Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2025 5:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. Central Time)
Description: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. With the 37th class in 2025, the Foundation has provided over 7,000 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than $87 million in educational support. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school/home-schooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools who will graduate high school during the 2025-2026 academic school year (students graduating from an American or expat school abroad are not eligible for this award; individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible). U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees - based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility. Expecting to receive high school diploma during current academic year. Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Able to verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework.
Amount: $20,000
Website: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

Don’t Text and Drive Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2025
Description: Do you know how far you will drive on the freeway if you take your eyes off the road for five seconds, the average time it takes to send a text? An entire football field. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, texting while driving makes drivers 23 times more likely to get into a "safety-critical event." The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand the risks of texting while driving.
Eligibility: High school student, college, or graduate student, must be U.S. citizen or legal resident
Amount: $1,000
Website: http://www.digitalresponsibility.org/dont-text-and-drive-scholarship

UNIGO Shout It Out Scholarship

Deadline: September 30, 2025
Description: U.S. Our Shout It Out Scholarship committee wants to know what you have to say. Whether it's a message for the world or just a quick "hi mom," this is your opportunity to speak up and win money for college. We're listening! Let your keyboard be your megaphone and shout out your message. This unique scholarship gives you the platform to speak up - and cash in.
Eligibility: Students, must be legal U.S. Resident, 14 years of age or older
Amount: $1,500
Website: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/shout-it-out-scholarship

No Sweat Scholarship

AES Engineering Scholarship

Deadline: October 08, 2025
Description: AES Engineering is pleased to be able to continue offering scholarships to motivated students to help in the furthering of their education. Their belief is that achieving a high-grade point average should not be the only criteria for determining who deserves to be helped. For that reason, they are offering a scholarship that will be awarded on the basis of character, as determined by an evaluation of the essays that are submitted.
Eligibility: high school senior or post-secondary student, submit required essay, Engineering courses not required to be eligible
Amount: $500
Website: https://aesengineers.com/scholarships.php

Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship

Deadline: October 15, 2025
Description: The Stantec Equity & Diversity Scholarship will contribute to the creation of a critical mass of talented students that will fully represent our industry—it will provide an environment in which all can thrive academically and professionally. Through this scholarship, Stantec will award $200,000 annually. We believe everyone has a right to education, and we are committed to providing people in historically underrepresented and Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) groups with financial aid. The number of scholarships awarded will be based on the specific needs articulated by applicants, and the award values will be a variable range between $1,500 and $10,000. Additionally, there will be 10 paid internships (locations to be confirmed annually) available to applicants.
Eligibility: Must be a senior going to major in a STEM field and belong to a historically underrepresented population/group (BICOP, LGBTQ+, First Gen College Student, be a student with a disability, etc.)
Amount: $1,500 - $10,000
Website: https://www.stantec.com/en/about/community-engagement/scholarships/equity-diversity-scholarship

ExtremeTerrain Student Scholarship

Deadline: October 15, 2025
Description: The goal of the ExtremeTerrain Scholarship program is to raise more awareness for the recreational use of public lands as it is an important issue to us at ExtremeTerrain and our customers. At the same time we support youth who are working towards a career in the environmental/recreational land use planning/land management industry, which in larger supports the movement to maintain recreational access to public lands.. ExtremeTerrain places an emphasis on community awareness and environmental awareness and supports those who hold the same value system.
Eligibility: Undergraduate college/university students and high school seniors who are pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, Ecology, Land Use, Earth & Atmosphere Sciences, Sustainable Land Management, Environmental Biology, Sustainable Agriculture Systems. Proof of enrollment is required along with submission.
Amount: $2,500
Website: https://www.extremeterrain.com/scholarships.html

Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Deadline: : October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Description: Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
Eligibility: high school students in grades 9-12, enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home study programs in the U.S.
Amount: $35,000
Website: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Texas Music Educators Association

Deadline: October 31, 2025
Description: TMEA is proud to offer scholarships each year to students in undergraduate and graduate programs who are majors in a music degree program leading to Texas teacher certification with music as the primary teaching field.
Eligibility: High school senior enrolling fulltime in the Fall of 2026 to a Texas college or university in pursuit of a music major leading to a teacher’s certificate with music as the primary teaching field.
Amount: Varies
Website: https://www.tmea.org/scholarships/

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Deadline: November 12, 2025 at 1:59 a.m.
Description: The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2026 competition. The 2026 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest is open to any high school senior who is a U.S. Citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, & financial need.
Eligibility: Current high school senior, U.S. Citizen, planning to pursue a 4yr degree, must enroll on a full-time basis
Amount: $1000- $7,500/yr.
Website: https://www.elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program

Deadline: November 12, 2025
Description: The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities.
Eligibility: high school senior graduating in Spring 2026 with a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75 or above, intends to enroll in an accredited 4yr college beginning in Fall 2026, demonstrate financial need (applicants with family income up to $95,000 will be considered), Submit standardized test score(s) from one of the following: SAT, ACT, AP, or IB exam. There is no minimum score requirement to apply, however, applicants must have taken one (or more) of these tests and submit the score.
Amount: Up to $55,000/yr to attend 4yr accredited undergraduate school
Website: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

Deadline: November 15, 2025
Description: Since 2005, From the Top and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation have awarded more than $3.4 million to exceptional young musicians with financial need, helping to offset some of the expensive costs of studying classical music at a high level. Each year, From the Top chooses approximately 20 driven and committed pre-collegiate musicians to receive the award.
Eligibility: You are eligible if you are: classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers (ages 8–18) who are full-time elementary, middle, or high school students, and have not yet entered college.
Amount: $10,000
Website: https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/#deadlines

Bachus & Schanker Scholarship

Deadline: November 30, 2025
Description: The attorneys of Bachus & Schanker, LLC have dedicated their practice to helping the injured and their families receive justice through the civil justice system. Understanding the importance of a quality education, Bachus & Schanker, LLC created a scholarship meant to enable students to better focus on their intellectual development and career goals. Students have the opportunity to apply for one of the $2000 semiannual scholarships to be paid toward tuition for the upcoming semester. Each student must write an essay about his or her opinion(s) on the importance and efficacy of the 7th Amendment. Students are encouraged to think critically about the right to trial by a jury, and other elements of the Amendment, and it how affects their lives.
Eligibility: Any high school senior accepted to attend a four-year university by the time of the award, or full-time student attending a four-year university in the United States who carries a 3.0 cumulative GPA may apply.
Amount: $2,000
Website: https://www.coloradolaw.net/scholarship/

Education Matters Scholarship

Deadline: November 30, 2025
Description: As a scholarship seeker, you're probably already well-aware of the importance of an education. But, what about the naysayers? Have you come across someone who's tried to talk you out of college, saying that it's not worth it? While continuing your education takes time, and money, there's a certain value that everyone is hoping to achieve. Our Education Matters Scholarship is giving you the chance to state why education matters. Why does education matter to you? What is the value you hope to receive from college? What would you do to convince the college cynics? Speaking up for education could lead to helping you pay for your own.
Eligibility: This award is for U.S. students. | Must be 14 years of age or older to apply.| Must be a legal U.S. resident.| Must reside in the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
Amount: $5,000
Website: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/education-matters-scholarship

Hagan Scholarship

Deadline: December 01, 2025
Description: The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, designed to provide recipients with the opportunity to graduate college debt-free. Applicants must attend a traditional public high school governed by a school district. Free workshops, Free Schwab Brokerage Accounts and Free Study Abroad provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. Recipients graduating college while in the Hagan Scholarship Program can apply for a Hagan Graduate Scholarship good for up to four additional consecutive semesters to attend graduate school.
Eligibility: Must attend a high school located in the United States. All high school students eligible regardless of nationality. Must be fluent in the English language. Must be in the high school graduating class. Must have achieved an unweighted 3.50 CGPA based on a 4.0 Grading Scale. Must enroll in an eligible four-year College or University the first fall semester following high school graduation. The scholarship cannot be used to attend a community college, junior college, or online institution. Must maintain a four year or less graduation schedule or complete the equivalent of a four year degree if in a professional program. Must work 240 hours from January 1, 2026 until September 1, 2026. Work must be regularly scheduled employment performed under supervision for compensation. Employment can be full-time or part-time. Applicant’s Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for 2024 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have exceeded $100,000. “Household Income” is defined as the total income received by all adult members of a household living under the same roof. Applicants are not required to provide FAFSA information. Finalists must provide the FAFSA Summary showing the SAI. Must apply for Federal and State grants if eligible. The intended scholarship recipient is a high-achieving goal-driven student having substantial financial need.
Amount: up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters
Website: https://haganscholarships.org/

Forty Acres Scholarship

Deadline: December 01, 2025
Description: The Forty Acres Scholars Program is the premier full-ride, merit-based scholarship for The University of Texas at Austin. Administered by the Texas Exes, this scholarship program offers a rich college experience that provides academic, leadership, professional, and cultural opportunities within an intimate cohort of fellow scholars.
Criteria: Applying to The University of Texas at Austin via the Common App or ApplyTexas automatically submits you as a candidate for the Forty Acres Scholars Program. A standalone application is no longer required. Only those students selected to move forward in the process will be contacted directly by the Forty Acres Scholars Program, at which point, if the student chooses to remain under consideration, there will be additional steps to complete.
Eligibility: High school seniors applying to UT Austin. In-state and out-of-state students. Must be U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident at the time of application. Applicants applying to the McCombs School of Business should also apply to the Canfield Business Honors Program. Transfer and international students are not eligible to apply to the Forty Acres Scholars Program, but are eligible for other Texas Exes scholarships
Website: https://www.texasexes.org/scholarships/forty-acres-scholars-program

Greater Texas Foundation

Deadline: December 01, 2025
Description: The first program of its kind in Texas, GTF Scholars was established to increase the number of Texas Early College High School (ECHS) graduates who successfully transition to a four-year institution of higher education and complete a baccalaureate degree. The program serves majority low income and historically underserved student populations and many of the students are first generation college goers.
Eligibility: Focus on students that have many barriers to a post-secondary education. GTF provides funding and technical assistance, while teams at each university select students to participate in the program, administer the scholarship, and design academic and social supports for their GTF Scholars. If you would like to learn more about the GTF Scholars program at a specific institution, please contact the school directly.
Amount: Varies
Website: http://www.greatertexasfoundation.org/gtf-scholars/

Take Care of Texas Video Contest

Deadline: December 05, 2025
Description: The Take Care of Texas Video Contest is a fun way for young people to learn about protecting the environment and come up with creative ways to share this knowledge with others! Students film a 30-second video that shows positive ways to Take Care of Texas. The students that submit the best videos can win great prizes, awarded by the contest sponsor, Waste Management of Texas, Inc.
Criteria: Texas Resident, high school student
Amount: $500 scholarship, $1500 scholarship, $2500 scholarship
Website: https://takecareoftexas.org/teens/video-contest

The Coolidge Scholarship for High School Juniors

Deadline: TBA
Description: The Coolidge Scholarship is an annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. The Coolidge may be used by recipients at any accredited college or university in the United States. Anyone of any background, pursuing any academic discipline of study, may apply to this non-partisan, need-blind, program. Students apply for the Coolidge Scholarship during their junior year of high school.
Eligibility: Applicants must intend to enroll full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university as an undergraduate for the first time in Fall 2027. Must be citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States of America by the 2025-26 scholarship deadline (TBA). Cannot be the immediate family member of any current employee or trustee of the Coolidge Scholars Program or the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation.
Amount: annually awarded, full-ride, presidential scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study
Website: https://coolidgescholars.org/

Burger King Scholars Program

Deadline: December 15, 2025 (OPENS October 16th)
Description: The Burger King Scholars program assists employees, employees’ children and high school seniors in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada in continuing their education.
Criteria: Be living in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam or Canada. Be graduating high school seniors (U.S., Puerto Rico and Guam), graduating from grade 12 (Canada) or graduating from home school education in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam or Canada. Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent. Plan to enroll full-time, without interruption, for the entire 2025-26 academic year at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school or CEGEP or equivalent in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam or Canada
Amount: Varies from $1,000 - $60,000
Website: https://burgerking.scholarsapply.org/

No Sweat Scholarship

Scholarship Listing: Spring 2026

Scholarship Search Engine

Appily:	https://www.appily.com/scholarships
Sholarships360:	https://scholarships360.org/
Bold.org:	https://bold.org/
GoingMerry:	https://goingmerry.com/
Fastweb:	https://fastweb.com
CollegeBoard:	https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/scholarship-search
Immigrants Rising:	https://immigrantsrising.org/resource/list-of-scholarships-and-fellowships/

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: January 15, 2026
Description: In alignment with Equitable’s own mission of helping people achieve financial security so that they can face the future with confidence, the Equitable Excellence Scholarship places an emphasis on empowering students’ future plans so that they can continue to have positive impacts in their community.
Eligibility: Be current high school seniors in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico who plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two-or four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year. Demonstrate ambition and self-drive to be a force for good in your community by encouraging others to pursue higher education. Be willing to provide a release to publicize their identities and information about their achievements along with photographs for use in program promotion and information. Have a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Amount: The authorized distribution for new awards is up to $500,000. Up to 100 renewable awards of $5,000 each will be granted.
Website: https://scholarshipamerica.org/scholarship/equitableexcellence/

APIA Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 15, 2026
Description: The APIA Scholarship is our largest scholarship program, open to AANHPI undergraduate students attending any U.S. accredited university or college. Scholarship amounts range from $2,500 one-year awards to $20,000 multi-year awards. APIA Scholars has a special focus on supporting AANHPI students who live at or below the poverty line; are in the first generation of their family to attend college; are representative of the APIA community’s diversity, (geographically and ethnically}, especially those ethnicities that have been underrepresented on college campuses due to limited access and opportunity. Strong applicants would also have an emphasis on community service and leadership.
Eligibility: Be able to describe your ethnicity, heritage, or ancestry in relation to the countries, territories, or lands in Asia or the Pacific Islands. Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau are also eligible to apply. Be enrolling or continuing as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in a U.S. accredited college or university in Fall 2026.
Amount: one-time $2,500 to multi-year $20,000
Website: https://apiascholars.org/scholarship/apia-scholarship/

MENSA Foundation’s College Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 15, 2026
Description: Founded in 1971, the Mensa Education & Research Foundation is a philanthropic, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to the pursuit of excellence in human intelligence. The mission and strategic focus are directed at scholarships, education and awards.
Eligibility: The applicant must be enrolled in a degree program in an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning during the academic year following the application date. The applicant must submit an application and essay explaining his or her career, academic and/or vocational goals.
Amount: varies from $500-$10,000
Website: https://www.mensafoundation.org/what-we-do/scholarships/

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: January 15, 2026
Description: The Trustees and Members of the Foundation, mindful of the significance of the important event in our nation’s history that occurred at Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, believe that if our country is to continue to progress, we must have thoroughly trained, dedicated young people to carry on our government’s work in future years.
Eligibility: Competition open to all high school senior who are U.S. citizens and are planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government. All awards are for one year.
Amount: We award a variety of scholarships every year. Each scholarship will be paid, as long as the student meets the requirements of the college chosen. Students planning to attend one of the Military Academies or who have been awarded full four-year tuition scholarships will be eligible for an award.
Website: https://www.gwcf.org/scholarship

DAR Scholarship

Deadline: January 31, 2026
Description: Each year the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) awards multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education in diverse areas of study including history, economics, law, political science, medicine, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, elementary and secondary education, chemistry, math, science and English.
Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of the United States. Must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or university in the United States. All multi-year scholarships, typically renewable up to four years, must be for consecutive years of attendance. Awards are based on academic excellence, commitment to the field of study, and/or financial need, or other restrictions on specific scholarships. Awards are placed on deposit with the recipient’s college or university and any unused portion shall be returned to the DAR. Applicants are only eligible to receive one scholarship from the DAR.
Amount: Varies.
Website: https://www.dar.org/national-society/scholarships

Carr P. Collins Scholarship - Baylor University

Deadline: January 31, 2026
Description: The Carr P. Collins Scholars Program was established in 1993 to recognize academically gifted students who are dedicated to helping others in an effort to develop leaders of tomorrow through the gift of higher education.
Eligibility: Be admitted to Baylor, top 25% of graduating class, combined Math/EBRW minimum score of 1310 on SAT or 28 on ACT, completed a balanced college prep program including history, science & foreign language, be an established resident of the state of Texas. *Applicants who elect test-optional admission for the 2026-2027 academic year will be considered eligible to apply if they demonstrate academic success within a challenging curriculum as determined through the admission review process.
Amount: minimum of $6,000 freshman year, renewable for three additional years
Website: https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/costs-aid/scholarships-aid/carr-p-collins-scholars-program

H-E-B/UIL Scholarship Application

Deadline: January 30, 2026
Description: For the seventh consecutive year, H-E-B will award 15 high school seniors who participate in UIL competitions with a $2,000 scholarship in recognition of their community service and involvement in their communities. Five students who competed in athletics, five students who competed in music, and five more students who competed in academic events were selected from the pool of applicants from across the state. H-E-B will award each selected student with a $2,000 scholarship toward their college/university of choice. Recipients will be spotlighted during the 2025 UIL Texas Girls & Boys Basketball State Championships.
Eligibility: Must be a current Texas high school senior graduating in 2026 with a minimum 3.3 GPA, have participated in a UIL competition as a high school student and have been active in community service programs or events.
Amount: $2,000
Website: https://www.sportsinaction.com/scholarship/

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship

Deadline: February 17, 2026
Description: Since 1985 the McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship Program has awarded more than $33 million in scholarship funds to over 17,000 Hispanic and Latino students. The McDonald's HACER® National Scholarship Program offers scholarships to up to 30 outstanding students from all over the country. It continues to provide educational opportunities to help narrow the gap that exists for Hispanic and Latino college-bound students, further reinforcing McDonald’s long-standing commitment to feeding and fostering the diverse communities it serves.
Eligibility: high school senior, legal U.S. resident, under 21 years of age, minimum GPA of 2.8, attend a two- or four-year institution full time, disclose other scholarships, enroll & attend accredited institution, one parent of Hispanic heritage.
Amount: $100,000 - $5,000
Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/community/hacer.html

Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition

Deadline: February 11, 2026
Description: Founded in 1995 as an event sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin, the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition moved to its new home with UIL Academics in 2011-2012. The competition provides students an opportunity to explore the contributions of African Americans to Texas history, as well as honoring the legacy of its namesake, Barbara Jordan. Competition Theme - African Americans in Texas: Past and Present. Essays should focus on individuals or groups who are not well-known figures but who have made positive, significant contributions to African American history or culture in Texas. Students should look first to their local communities for possible essay topics.
Eligibility: High school student, college, or graduate student, must be U.S. citizen or legal resident
Amount: TBA
Website: https://www.uiltexas.org/academics/essay-contest

Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship

Deadline: TBA – Should open January 1st
Description: This could be the opportunity of a lifetime! The HSF Scholarship is designed to assist students of Hispanic heritage obtain a university degree. It consists of two phases with the first phase closing in February. This first phase is quick and does not require essays or recommendation letters. To get started today, visit HSF.net and create your MyHSF profile. Doing so will enable you to fill out a scholarship application and learn more about what HSF has to offer.
Eligibility: Must be of Hispanic heritage, U.S. citizen, permanent legal resident, DACA, or eligible non-citizen (as defined by FAFSA); Minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for high school students; minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) for college and graduate students; Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited four-year university, or graduate program, in the fall of the desired scholarship year; Submit a FAFSA or State-based financial aid forms (if applicable)
Amount: based on merit ranging from $500 to $5000
Website: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship

Dell Scholarship

Deadline: February 15, 2026
Description: The Dell Scholars program is a scholarship and college completion program that nurtures and empowers students on their path to a college degree. Since starting the program in 2004, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has supported 6,000 scholars, including more than 4,500 college graduates.
Eligibilty:Be a high school senior participating in an approved college readiness program. Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year college or university right after high school. Be Pell Grant eligible. Earn a minimum of a 2.4 GPA
Amount: $20,000
Website: https://www.dellscholars.org/scholarship/

VAMOS/UTRGV Scholarship

Deadline: February 15, 2026
Description: The UTRGV Foundation and the Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) have partnered to create the VAMOS/UTRGV Endowed Scholarship Program.
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Be Pell Eligible. Graduates from a high school in Hidalgo, Cameron or Star County. To be considered, students must be admitted to UTRGV and have submitted a FAFSA application by February 15th.
Amount: Renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, or until graduation, (whichever comes first) and is valued up to $10,000.
Website: https://vamosscholars.org/vamos-scholarships/

HSF/VAMOS Scholarship - OPENS JANUARY 15, 2026

Deadline: February 15, 2026
Description: The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities Scholarship (VAMOS) Scholarship program supports exceptional graduating high school seniors from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Students must identify as Hispanic and must be Pell Grant recipients.
Eligibility: Must be Pell-eligible. Plan to enroll full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university during the fall of the scholarship cycle. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. High school graduating seniors only - Cumulative GPA of 2.75, based on a 4.00 scale (or equivalent) earned from 9th through the first semester/term of 12th grade. High school students must be graduating seniors in the Rio Grande Valley (Texas), specifically Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties. Must be of Hispanic heritage.
Amount: Selected students attending the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley will receive $3,000 per year, for four years ($12,000 total). All other selected students attending other institutions will receive $5,000 per year, for four years ($20,000 total).
Website: https://vamosscholars.org/vamos-scholarships/

The DREAM.US National Scholarship Program

Deadline: February 28, 2026
Description: The National Scholarship is the “Pell Grant” for highly motivated DREAMers with significant, unmet financial need. While your GPA and test scores are considered, great emphasis is placed on your demonstrated commitment to community service and your ability to overcome the barriers and challenges that DREAMers face each and every day.
Eligibility: graduate in 2025-2026, GPA of 2.5 or better, intend to enroll fulltime in 2yr/4yr partner college, current DACA or TPS or certify DACA eligibility, significant unmet financial need.
Amount: up to $16,500 for an Associate’s/ $33,000 for a Bachelor’s Scholars may be eligible for an additional stipend of $4,000 ($1000 per year) for books, supplies, or transportation.
Website: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/

Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation

Deadline: : March 1, 2026
Description: The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation awards need-based scholarships to the children of Marines attending accredited colleges, community colleges, and career technical education programs. It’s the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military families, and its mission is to offer scholarship support to every eligible child of a Marine.
Eligibility: Child or step-child of one of the following: Active duty, Reserve, or veteran* U.S. Marine, A Marine killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman, Navy Chaplain or Religious Program Specialist who is or was attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit or who was killed while serving with a U.S. Marine Corps unit*. Minimum 2.00 GPA. Demonstrate financial need through a family adjusted gross income of $129,000 for the 2024 tax year. Attending or planning to attend an accredited school that is eligible for federal funding. Submit a completed application with all required documents by the deadline. *Veterans must have received an honorable discharge.
Amount: $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000 per academic year. Award amounts are based on factors including financial need, GPA, and available funding. Amounts are not guaranteed from year to year, and renewal applicants may be awarded different amounts in subsequent years.
Website: https://www.mcsf.org/apply/scholarship

Society of Exploration Geophysicists Scholarships

Deadline: March 1, 2026
Description: SEG Scholarships encourage the study of geophysics and related geosciences in universities around the world. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the SEG offers a range of different scholarship opportunities to students all over the globe.
Eligibility: Is a high school senior planning to attend college next year or an undergraduate or graduate college student; Has above average grades; Is intending to pursue a college curriculum directed toward a career in applied geophysics.
Amount: Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000 per academic year; average awards are approximately $2,800.
Website: https://seg.org/Scholarships

Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship

Deadline: March 9, 2026
Description: Submit original photo, artwork or computer graphics for the front of a greeting card.
Eligibility: This contest is open to all high school, college and university students enrolled during the time period of the contest in an academic program designed to conclude with the awarding of a diploma or a degree. Must be 14 years or older.
Amount: a cash scholarship of $10,000 plus a $1,000 prize for their school.
Website: https://www.gallerycollection.com/greeting-cards-scholarship.htm

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB)

Deadline: TBA (Not open yet. Deadline in March)
Description: The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) is proud to announce that it will award ten (10) scholarships worth $2,000 to graduating high school seniors through its Project SHARE program.
Eligibility: The applicant must reside in a household that receives services from BPUB. The account must be the applicant's primary residence at the time the scholarship is awarded and have a minimum of one year of utility service with BPUB by the application deadline date. The applicant must be a graduating high school senior during the 2025 - 2026 school year. Applicants must attend an accredited institution of higher education located in the USA.
Amount: Ten (10) scholarships worth $2,000.
Website: https://bpubscholarship.com/

Port of Brownsville Scholarship Fund

Deadline: TBA
Description: This scholarship is based on a student’s overall commitment to pursuing a post-secondary education in a technical, certificate, associates or undergraduate program from an accredited college or university.
Eligibility: Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Official high school transcripts. Copy of Student Aid Report (FAFSA or TASFA). Student’s Resume. Student must provide a copy of Fall 2026 registration (at least 12 credit hours) if selected as a scholarship recipient. Submit a minimum 250-word essay on one of the essay topics provided. Essay must be typed in Times New Roman, Font 12, and double spaced.
Amount: $1,000

Shell Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2026
Description: The Shell Company Technical Scholarship and Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship have been created to provide financial and career assistance to graduating high school seniors who have expressed an interest in the energy industry and demonstrated an aptitude in mathematics and science. These scholarship programs support Shell’s objective of helping to ensure a qualified workforce in engineering and geosciences disciplines in future years. Workforce development is one of the highest priorities at Shell. Competition for talent is growing and Shell will be at the forefront in identifying young people with the skills to succeed by assisting with scholarships and providing exposure to career opportunities at the company.
Eligibility: Plan to enroll full-time in one of the following majors (geology, geophysics, physics, chemical, civil, electrical, geological, geophysical, mechanical or petroleum engineering) at a specified institution. Be lawfully authorized to work on a full-time basis in the United States without any form of sponsorship.
Amount: In each program, Shell will sponsor up to 20 one-year awards of $2,500 for selected graduating high school seniors enrolling in engineering or geosciences at universities identified by Shell.
Website: https://www.shell.us/careers/about-careers-at-shell/shell-graduate-program/scholarships.html

NINOS, Inc. 2026 Scholarship

Deadline: TBA
Description: Neighbors in Need of Services, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Program is currently accepting scholarship applications to award twelve (12) scholarships of $1,200 each. These scholarships will be offered to nine (9) former students and three (3) current/former parents of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program in Cameron and Willacy counties. Head Start/Early Head Start parents, staff, and community volunteers raise the funds for the scholarships.
Eligibility: Must be a former student of the NINOS, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start Program for at least one school year. Must meet NINOS, Inc. Scholarship Income Guidelines as indicated on the attached sheet. Must submit all information requested on the application. Incomplete applications will not be valid. Must be a resident of the NINOS, Inc. service area in Cameron or Willacy Counties. Can only receive two NINOS, Inc. scholarship awards while enrolled in College. Be required to provide their date of birth, last four digits of Social Security Number or I-10 number (if applicable)
Amount: nine (9) scholarships of $1,200 each .
Website: https://ninosinc.org/ninos-inc-2025-scholarship/

STARS Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 31, 2026
Description: The Stars Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to qualified students from the community annually. Recipients are selected on the basis of scholarship, academic achievement and financial need through a general application process. Academic achievement is determined using applicant's official academic records. Financial need is determined in evaluating the applicant's submitted FAFSA documentation. The goal of our organization is to assist students who do not receive enough or any federal aid to cover the Cost of Attendance at their institution. Stars Scholarship Fund strives to ensure that deserving individuals are not denied the opportunities for learning and discovery that are available in a university setting.
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551. Be a permanent resident (5 or more consecutive years) of and have a permanent South or West Texas address in one of our 30 counties. Have earned/completed at least 12 undergraduate credit hours at a U.S. accredited college or university before applying for the scholarship (Dual and Advanced Placement credits accepted.). Have a minimum college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. Have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to the Fall of the new academic year. Are enrolled in a U.S. accredited 2 yr. community college (enrolled part-time or full-time) in a degree-seeking program, or a 4yr. university undergraduate program (enrolled full-time) seeking a Bachelor’s Degree, or a university graduate program (enrolled full-time) seeking a Master’s, Law or Doctorate degree.
Amount: $350 to $10,000.
Website: https://www.starsscholarship.org/stars/home

Texas Student Housing Scholarship

Deadline: April 01, 2026
Description: This scholarship is open to students accepted to colleges in College Station or Denton, Texas, that have NOT signed off-campus housing leases.
Eligibility: TSHA Scholarships are available to Texas High School graduating seniors, Community College attendees, and university upper classmen who have previously graduated from a Texas High School and who took SAT or ACT.
Amount: Full or Partial cost of an OFF-CAMPUS room for one academic year.
Website: http://www.texasstudenthousing.net

VAMOS Traditional Scholarship

Deadline: April 03, 2026
Description: The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities Scholarship (VAMOS) Scholarship program supports exceptional graduating high school seniors from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Students must identify as Hispanic and must be Pell Grant recipients.
Eligibility/Requirements: High School Senior in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron County. An official high school transcript with grade point average (GPA), class rank, and class size. U.S citizen or permanent resident. Student’s resume. SAT/ACT scores. Parent’s income tax return (include tax return used to apply for FAFSA (please redact SSNs). Student Aid Index (SAI). Financial aid award letter. Two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, principals, or other school professional staff. Applicant must be eligible for Pell Grant eligible. Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited, public, or private two-year college or four-year university in the Fall 2026 semester.
Amount: This scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study, or until graduation (whichever comes first). Students selected may receive up to $20,000.
Website: https://vamosscholars.org/vamos-scholarships/

Mary “Sippy” Burnett Nursing Scholarship

Deadline: TBA
Description: The Shell Company Technical Scholarship and Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship have been created to provide financial and career assistance to graduating high school seniors who have expressed an interest in the energy industry and demonstrated an aptitude in mathematics and science. These scholarship programs support Shell’s objective of helping to ensure a qualified workforce in engineering and geosciences disciplines in future years. Workforce development is one of the highest priorities at Shell. Competition for talent is growing and Shell will be at the forefront in identifying young people with the skills to succeed by assisting with scholarships and providing exposure to career opportunities at the company.
Eligibility: Must be pursuing a degree in the NURSING FIELD as a LVN or RN. The Hospital District must be informed of the student’s name, eligibility determination factors (why this student was selected), the name of the school the student plans to attend and specify “nursing or nursing field” as the student’s chosen course of study. The Hospital District must be given proper recognition for the granting of the scholarship. The student must provide proof of enrollment and acceptance by the selected school’s Nursing Program Department chair or head. The verification may either be mailed or personally delivered to the Willacy County Hospital District Office.

We the Future Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2026
Description: High School Students may submit the following: Essay, Song, STEM, Short film, or PSA. All entries that utilize copyrighted music, film clips, or photos MUST obtain the proper licensing permissions IN ADVANCE of submitting the entry, in order to be considered.
Eligibility: Must be a high school Student
Amount: $1,000.
Website: https://constitutingamerica.org/contest-categories/#toggle-id-2