Mayor's Office of EducationScholarships and Aid
The Mayor's Office of Education and Youth Engagement strives to make college more attainable for our youth by providing a plethora of college preparation resources. On this page you will find the differences between aid and scholarships, the types of financial aid, the process to applying to financial aid, a searchable table to discover current scholarships and aid opportunities available for you to apply to, and ways to apply to college.
Applying to College
Apply to universities with either Apply Texas or the Common Application. Most universities in the state of Texas will accept Apply Texas applications as well as the Common Application, with the exception of some private Texas schools. It is recommended that students use Apply Texas when the majority of schools they are applying to are in the state of Texas, and use the Common Application when they are applying to majority out-of-state schools.
- This site allows you to research your options, apply using the Texas Common Application online, and saves the information so that you can use the application for several schools at once.
- Get connected with everything you need to apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and get advice from counselors, advisors and mentors.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is usually granted based on need and may require repayment. There are different types of financial aid:
- Grants are free money that you do not have to pay back.
- Student loans do need to be paid back, charge you interest, and will vary depending on your needs.
- Work study provides part-time jobs to help students that demonstrate financial need pay for their education expenses.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to receiving financial aid from the federal and state government and most colleges and universities. You can start filing your forms from January 1st until June 30th. To fill out the FAFSA, you need to be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, conditional permanent resident, or another eligible noncitizen with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security. There are a number of documents you need to fill out the FAFSA:
- Previous year Federal Tax Return (and spouse’s, if student is married)
- FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN)
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s License Number
- Most Recent W-2 or Year-end Pay Stub
- Untaxed Income Records
- Bank Statement(s)
- Business and Investment Records
- Registration Card (if not a U.S. Citizen)
After you have submitted your college applications, you will receive award letters from the colleges of your choice. An award letter is an offer from a college that states the type and amount of financial aid the school is willing to provide if you accept admission and enroll in classes. You will need to decide which award package and schools best fits your needs.
Scholarships
Scholarships do not need repayment and are frequently given out by colleges and other organizations in accordance with merit or achievement. They may cover costs such as books and supplies, tuition, room and board, learning abroad, research, and more.
Use the searchable table below to navigate through the scholarships offered by various foundations and programs. Enter keyword below to search (E.g., "leadership", "STEM", "aid," etc.). Refresh or delete to clear search.
Disclaimer -- This is a comprehensive scholarship list researched and compiled by the Mayor’s Office of Education & Youth Engagement. These scholarships are not sponsored by the City of Houston, and we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data, as the information is subject to change. This list was created to help students and families get a head start, and further personal research into financial aid is encouraged.
| Application Deadline | Program | Description | Type | Scholarship Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 23, 2025 | Jackie Robinson Foundation | The JRF provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of students, but to guide them through the process of higher education. | Scholarship | Jackie Robinson Foundation Website |
| January 31, 2025 | Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship program consists of more than 800 scholarships and more than $14 million awarded in one year. | Scholarship | Rodeo Houston Website |
| Feb 15, 2025 | Hispanic Scholarship Fund | HSF offers access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, as well as $30 million in scholarships annually. | Scholarship | Hispanic Scholarship Fund Website |
| March 17, 2025 | Houston Denny's Community Builders Scholarship | The Astros Foundation is proud to partner with the Houston Denny’s Community Builders™ Scholarship program to award $76,000 in thirty-eight $2,000 scholarships in 2025 to students from the Greater Houston area. | Scholarship | Houston Astros Website |
| April 2025 | University of Houston Foundation Scholarship | The University of Houston Foundation Scholarship portal is a centralized platform where students within the UH System can apply for a wide range of scholarships by submitting a single general application. Intended for currently enrolled or incoming students at UH, UH-Downtown, UH-Clear Lake, and UH-Victoria. | Scholarship | University of Houston Foundation Website |
| April 30, 2025 | Cottage & Bungalow Scholarship | Cottage & Bungalow offers a $500 scholarship for spring 2025, requiring a 300-word essay about a person who has shaped your life. | Scholarship | Cottage & Bungalow Website |
| May 1, 2025 | Point Foundation Internship Scholarship | The Internship & Professional Development Award provides up to $5,000 to support LGBTQ+ and ally students enrolled full-time in U.S. degree programs who are pursuing unpaid summer internships, research, conferences, practicums, capstones, or other career-building experiences. | Scholarship | Point Foundation Website |
| May 31, 2025 | There’s Space for Everyone Scholarship | The scholarship, funded by Extra Space Storage, awards a total of eight $3,000 scholarships to full‑time undergrad or grad students and Extra Space Storage employees or immediate family members. | Scholarship | ExtraSpace Storage Website |
| September 30, 2025 | Empower College Scholarships Program | Scholarship available for Texas high school junior and senior students. Award of $20,000, receiving $5,000 annually. | Scholarship | Empower College Scholarships Program Website |
| September 30, 2025 | Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation | The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, with annual scholarships of $3.55 million awarded. | Scholarship | Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Website |
| October 1, 2025 | Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program | The Norman Borlaug Youth in Agriculture Program is for Texas high school students interested in solving real-world agricultural issues. Participants attend three events, build leadership skills, and create impact projects. Graduates receive a $2,500 educational grant. | Program & Scholarship | Texas Youth Livestock & Agriculture Website |
| October 2025 | Gilman International Scholarship | Provides undergraduate students of limited financial means (Pell Grant Recipients) funding to study or intern abroad. | Program & Scholarship | Gilman International Scholarship Website |
| November 11, 2025 | Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Scholarship | The Hispanic Heritage Youth Scholarship recognizes outstanding Hispanic high school seniors with college scholarships or grants for community service projects. Students who excel academically or through community involvement are encouraged to apply | Scholarship | Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards Scholarship Website |
| November 12, 2025 | Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship | Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university. | Scholarship | Elks National Foundation Scholarship Website |
| November 30, 2025 | Education Matters Scholarship | Award of $5,000 available for one applicant. Open to ages 14 and up. Applicants will write a 250 word or less essay about encouraging someone else to continue school. The essay should highlight why the applicant values education. | Scholarship | Education Matters Scholarship Website |
| November 30, 2025 | StudySoup Future Innovator Scholarship | StudySoup Future Innovator Scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students at colleges in any state who have demonstrated a willingness StudySoup Future Innovator Scholarship helps other. | Scholarship | StudySoup Future Innovator Scholarship Website |
| December 1, 2025 | Hagan Scholarship Foundation | Nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides $2,000 to help pay for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. | Scholarship | Hagan Scholarship Foundation |
| December 5, 2025 | Point Foundation Scholarship | Eligible for members of the LGBTQ+ community along with allies. Applicants are judged based on their connection to the LGBTQ+ community, academic history, and involvement in service. | Scholarship | Point Foundation Website |
| December, 15 2025 | Allied Van Lines | Allied Van Lines is excited to offer a scholarship program aimed at students whose area of study focuses on logistics and moving-related fields. | Scholarship | Allied Website |
| December 16, 2025 | Wellroot Family Services Scholarship Program | The awards range from $1000-$3500. The scholarship is not financial need based, it is focused on students' grades, extracurricular activities, and letter of recommendations. Available for high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students. | Scholarship | Wellroot Family Services Scholarship Program Website |
| January 9, 2026 | Built Ford Tough Scholarship | Scholarship supports all areas of agriculture, either in trade schools, certifications, or college. Scholarships support FFA high school seniors and collegiate members. Just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities totaling close to $2 million. Ford dealer must identify your FFA chapter for eligibility. | Scholarship | Built Ford Tough Scholarship Website |
| January 30, 2026 | Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship | Write a personal statement of 140 words or less about things you can do other than using technology. Award of $1,000. | Scholarship | Digital Responsibility Website |
| January 31, 2026 | Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Texan Scholarship | Must be a US citizen, be a graduating senior from a public high school or participating counties, and plan on attending a Texas college. Applicants must also be ranked in the top third of their graduating class and have either an ACT score of 19 or an SAT of 950. | Scholarship | Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Texan Scholarship Website |
| January 31, 2026 | Posse Foundation Scholarship | The Posse Scholarship recognizes outstanding high school students with full-tuition scholarships to attend one of Posse’s partner colleges or universities. High school seniors must be nominated by their high school or a community-based organization, be in the first term of their senior year when nominated, and demonstrate leadership within their school, community, or family. | Scholarship | Posse Foundation Scholarship |
| February 2026 | Greater Houston Community Foundation | The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $4 million annually to college students. | Scholarship | Greater Houston Community Foundation |
| February 2026 | Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarship | The purpose of this scholarship is to send hard-working, outstanding, and deserving students to college. The award is available for use for many institutions all over the country. | Scholarship | Jimmy Rane Foundation Website |
| February 28, 2026 | Empower College Scholarships Program | Available for Latino youth high school seniors in the Houston area to pursue higher education. Applicants must submit a 500 word Essay on "How A College Scholarship will help me positively impact my community." Award of $39,000. | Scholarship | Univision Houston Beca Website |
| February 28, 2026 | Federation of Houston Professional Women Educational Foundation | Scholarship aims to advance the education and knowledge of women in the community. Must identify as a female, be a Texas resident, plan to attend a Texas college. Have completed at least 30 semester hours of credit and currently enrolled to take 6 or more credits. | Scholarship | Federation of Houston Professional Women Educational Foundation Website |
| February 28, 2026 | SAE Scholarships | Each year, SAE International offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing engineering degrees, ranging in value from $1,000 - $15,000. Applicants must submit letter of recommendations and essays for assigned prompts. | Scholarship | SAE International Scholarship Website |
| April 2026 | Gandy Ink Scholarship | The Gandy Ink Scholarship awards ten $1,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors planning to enroll in college in the upcoming fall semester. | Scholarship | Gandy Ink Scholarship Website |
| April 2026 | Vinson and Elkins Scholarship | Scholarships and summer internships for students with strong academic credentials, an interest in the legal profession, and financial need. | Scholarship & Internships | Vinson & Elkins Law Website |
| May 2026 | Houston Marathon Foundation Scholarship | This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving seniors who exemplify leadership and volunteer spirit in their everyday life. | Scholarship | Chevron Houston Marathon Website |
| May 23, 2026 | Media Alliance of Houston Scholarship | The scholarships will be awarded to students attending a Texas public or private university that offers media majors. Candidates must have completed 75 hours of coursework and have a cumulative 3.25 GPA or a 3.0 in declared-major courses. | Scholarship | Media Alliance of Houston Scholarship Website |
| August 01, 2026 | National Federation of the Blind Scholarship - Texas | Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes; must be a resident of Texas; must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study at a U. S. institution of higher education in the fall of the application year. | Scholarship | National Federation of the Blind Scholarship - Texas |
| October 7, 2026 | Fulbright | The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. | Program | Fulbright Program Website |
| July 1st | International Women in Media Scholarship | The International Women in Media Scholarship aims to increase awareness of women in journalism and the media, along with the challenges they face around the world. Applicants will create a Wikipedia-style biography page for a woman of their choice. | Scholarship | International Women in Media Scholarship Website |
| July 31st | CardRates.com Financial Futures Scholarship | For college students majoring in Business, Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Management, and others preparing for a career in the personal finance industry. The scholarship award amount is $1,000. | Scholarship | CardRates Website |
| Applications accepted year-round | GoTranscript Academic Scholarship Program | Awards a $5,000 USD scholarship each semester (Spring and Fall) to high school seniors or full-time college freshmen who submit a 500–1,000‑word essay and register using a university‑issued email address. Applications are accepted year-round. | Scholarship | GoTranscript Website |
| May 9th, 2025 | Zakat Foundation Scholarships | The Zakat Foundation of America offers Community Service Scholarships worth $400 each, with up to 40 awards available in 2025. Eligible applicants are high school seniors from specific U.S. states (TX, CA, IL, NJ, NY, FL, PA, VA, DE, MD, NC, MI, GA, OH). | Scholarship | Zakat Foundation of America Website |
| None | College Greenlight | College Greenlight connects first generation and underrepresented students to colleges, scholarships, and counselors and mentors. | Scholarship | Education Advisory Board Website |
| None | College Access Loan Program | The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. | Financial Aid | College Access Loan Program |
| None | Coverdell Education Savings Account | This can either be a trust account (created at a bank or trust company that holds funds for specific purposes) or a custodial account. | Financial Aid | IRS Website |
| None | The Go-to Guide for College Financial Aid | This guide provides information on different types of financial aid and how to apply for that aid. | Financial Aid | finaid Website |
| None | The Texas Tomorrow Funds | These are prepaid college investment programs that consist of three plans: the Texas College Savings Plan, Texas Tuition Promise Fund and Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan. | Financial Aid | Texas Tomorrow Funds Website |
| None | My Texas Future | This program has important information about the State's education options and helps you plan and graduate from a Texas higher education institution. Tools include a College Locator, college match up, and States Net Price Calculator. | Financial Aid | My Texas Future Website |
| None | Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program | The purpose of the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program is to encourage students to become commissioned officers in any branch of the armed services of the United States. This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students. | Program & Scholarship | Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program |
| None | Naviance | Naviance is an American college and career readiness software provider that partners with high schools to provide students with college planning and career assessment tools. | Financial Aid | Naviance Website |
| None | Valedictorian Tuition Waiver | The Valedictorian Tuition Waiver is for Texas high school valedictorians attending a Texas public college or university. It waives tuition for the fall and spring semesters of their first year, though students must still pay fees and other costs. | Scholarship | Speak to Counselor |
| Not Posted | Rising to the Challenge Scholarship | Applicants have to submit two letters of recommendation, plan to attend a two or four year-college or be enrolled in a program, and write an essay about assigned prompt and submit a list of extracurricular activities. | Scholarship | Rising to the Challenge Scholarship Website |
| Not Posted | Out for Education Scholarship | Scholarship awards are given to those who are apart of, or a child of, someone in the LGBTQIA+ community. Scholarships range from $1,000-$10,000. Must have a 2.75 GPA. Must have attended a high school, college, or trade school in the Houston area. | Scholarship | Out for Education Website |
| Not Posted | LULAC National Scholarship Fund | Provides scholarships to Latino students in underserved communities across the U.S. through a unique grassroots-corporate model, LULAC Councils raise funds which are then matched by corporate partners. | Scholarship | LULAC National Educational Service Centers Website |
| Not Posted | MyImpact Challenge | The MyImpact Challenge is a national civic‑engagement contest by the Bill of Rights Institute. Participants submit a project report, an essay linking their initiative to civic virtues/principles, and visual documentation of a community service, volunteer, or entrepreneurial project. | Scholarship | Bill of Rights Institute Website |
| Not Posted | Aldine Education Foundation | Foundation Scholars Grant | The Foundation Scholars Grant honors academically exceptional Aldine ISD seniors with merit-based scholarships through the Aldine Education Foundation. | Scholarship | Aldine Education Foundation Website |
| Not Posted | NOBLE Scholarship | This scholarship supports graduating U.S. high school seniors who have applied to an accredited college. Applicants must submit a completed nominee sheet, a small photo, a 150-word signed statement of need, and a full high school transcript. | Program & Scholarship | NOBLE Nation Website |
| Not Posted | Gates Millennium Scholars Program | For African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic American students with high academic and leadership promise who have significant financial need. | Scholarship Program | Gates Millennium Scholars Program Website |
| Not Posted | Critical Language Scholarship | Offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in U.S. based degree programs to learn one of 15 languages through immersive study abroad institutes each summer. | Scholarship | Critical Language Scholarship Website |
| Not Posted | AmeriCorps | This award is offered to individuals who complete a term of service and can be used to pay for a range of educational expenses, such as future tuition payments. | Financial Aid | AmeriCorps Website |
| Not Posted | EMERGE Scholars (Houston ISD, Aldine ISD, Klein ISD) | EMERGE empowers & prepares high-performing students from underserved communities to attend and graduate from selective colleges & universities. | Scholarship | EMERGE Scholars Website |
| Not Posted | Virtual Student Federal Service | Part-time, virtual internships with flexible schedules. Interns can partner with Department of State diplomatic posts overseas and domestic offices, as well as other agencies. | Internships | U.S. Department of State Website |
| Not Posted | 1 for 2 Education Foundation | This foundation awards at least two scholarships annually. Complete an application to move forward to interview round, chosen scholars must maintain a 3.0 GPA and remain full-time students. The foundation considers various values of scholar's ethics. | Scholarship | 1 for 2 Education Foundation Website |
| Varies | TASFA | The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs. | Financial Aid | TASFA Website |
| Varies | FAFSA | By filling out the FAFSA, you can receive financial aid from the state and federal government as well as colleges and universities. You must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen. | Financial Aid | FAFSA Website |
| Various | Scholarships & Resources for Minority Students | This is a scholarship and resource page for minority students created by STEPS (Student Training & Education in Public Service). | Scholarship | Public Service Degrees Website |
| Various | Scholarships & Resources for African Americans | This guide provides a list of scholarship award programs for the Black community, and provides resources through graduation and beyond. | Scholarship | EDUMed Website |
| Various | Department of Education Grants and Programs | Browse the Department of Education’s website for grants and scholarships available to all. | Scholarship | U.S. Department of Education Website |
| Various | Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board | These resources help students through each stage of their postsecondary journey: understanding career opportunities, planning their pathway, paying for their education, and pursuing work-based learning opportunities. | Scholarship | Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Website |
| Various | The George Foundation | The George Foundation provides college scholarships to Fort Bend County residents seeking higher education and currently has established four different scholarship programs in addition to endowed scholarships at several Texas universities. | Scholarship | The George Foundation Website |
| Various | FastWeb | Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid tools. | Scholarship | FastWeb Website |
| Various | Sallie Mae Investment Planner and Scholarship Search | Ready to find free money for college? Complete the scholarship profile and the database will match you to over 3 million scholarships! | Scholarship | Sallie Scholarship Website |
| Various | Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS) | STEPS offers scholarships, grants, and academic/career resources, all for minority students. | Scholarship | Public Service Degrees Website |
| Various | EduMed | This guide provides a list of scholarship award programs, gives tips on how to make your scholarship application shine, and offers additional resources that provide support to Black students. | Scholarship | EduMed Website |
| Various | University HQ Scholarship compilation | These scholarships are offered by organizations dedicated to research in and improvement of their specific field. | Scholarship | University HQ Website |
| Various | Thurgood Marshall College Fund | Selected students must be in good academic standing, but at risk of not graduating due to an outstanding financial need. | Scholarship | Thurgood Marshall College Fund Website |
| Various | United Negro College Fund | UNCF aims to build a nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who become highly-qualified college graduates. | Scholarship | UNCF Website |
| Various | College Board Scholarship Search | College is expensive, but BigFuture can help. Search the directory of over 23,000 scholarships to find opportunities to help pay for college. | Scholarship | College Board Website |
| Various | Scholarships | Finding college scholarships shouldn't be overwhelming. Scholarships.com makes it simple and match you to scholarships you qualify for. | Scholarship | Scholarships.com |
| Various | College Jumpstart Scholarships | Multiple scholarships available such as: College JumpStart Love of Learning Scholarship, College JumpStart Show Grit Scholarship, College JumpStart Gratitude Scholarship, and College JumpStart Pay It Forward Scholarship. | Scholarship | College Jumpstart Scholarship Website |
| Various | Student Scholarships | Student Scholarships is a large collection of scholarships from non-profit organizations and private companies. | Scholarship | Student Scholarships Website |
| Various | International Scholarships | The International Scholarship Search is here to make it easier to find a scholarship for students wishing to study abroad. | Search Engine | International Scholarships Website |
| Application Deadline | Program | Description | Type | Scholarship Website |
Apply to universities with either Apply Texas or the Common Application. Most universities in the state of Texas will accept Apply Texas applications as well as the Common Application, with the exception of some private Texas schools. It is recommended that students use Apply Texas when the majority of schools they are applying to are in the state of Texas, and use the Common Application when they are applying to majority out-of-state schools.
- This site allows you to research your options, apply using the Texas Common Application online, and saves the information so that you can use the application for several schools at once.
- Get connected with everything you need to apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and get advice from counselors, advisors and mentors.
Contact the MOEYE
Mayor's Office of Education & Youth Engagement901 Bagby St., 4th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Email: MOEdu@houstontx.gov
More from Your MOEYE
