Scholarships 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.

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 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.




Application Deadline Program Description Type Scholarship Website
June 30, 2024 TASFA The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used to collect information to help determine eligibility for state financial aid programs. Aid TAFSA Website
None Scholarship Bulletin The Houston ISD College Readiness Department has a scholarship bulletin that is consistently published every month. It focuses on scholarships for seniors in the Houston area. Scholarship Houston ISD College Readiness Website
None 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 Scholarships & Resources for Minority Students Website
None College Greenlight College Greenlight connects first generation and underrepresented students to colleges, scholarships, and counselors and mentors. Scholarship College Greenlight Website
November 1, 2023 (annual) Management and Leadership Scholarship Competition 2020 Management Training Institute is offering a 2023 scholarship program aimed at students whose area of study focuses on management and leadership development. Scholarship Management and Training Inst. Website
None Scholarship & 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 Resources for African Americans Website
None Early Childhood Education Scholarships These scholarships areoffered by organizations dedicated to research in and improvement of their specific field. Scholarship .
April 1, 2024 Vinson and Elkins Scholarship Scholarships for students with strong academic credentials, an interest in the legal profession, and financial need. Scholarship Vinson and Elkins Website
March 15, 2024 Minute Maid Grand Slam for Youth Scholarship The Astros annually award 25 deserving seniors a $5,000 academic scholarship. Scholarship Minute Maid Grand Slam Website
March 31, 2024 Houston Marathon Foundation Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving seniors who exemplify leadership and volunteer spirit in their everyday life. Scholarship Marathon Foundation Website
None 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 GHCF Website
October 2, 2023 (Annual) 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 Foundation Website
September 15, 2023 Gates Millennium Scholars For African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic American students with high academic and leadership promise who have significant financial need. Scholarship GMSP 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. Aid HH Loans Website
January 31, 2024 Houston Livestock 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
February 16, 2023 (annual) Hispanic Scholarship Fund HSF offers access to a full range of invaluable Scholar Support Services, as well as $30 million in scholarships annually. Scholarship HSF Website
April 15, 2023 League of United Latin American Citizens LULAC offers help to youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality. Scholarship LULAC Website
June 28, 2024 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 TMCF Website
None United Negro College Fund UNCF aims to build a nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who become highly-qualified college graduates. Scholarship ENCF Website
January 10, 2024 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 JRF Website
None 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 Big Future Website
None International Scholarships The International Scholarship Search is here to make it easier to find a scholarship for students wishing to study abroad. Scholarship International Scholarships Website
None www.scholarships.com Finding college scholarships shouldn't be overwhelming. Scholarships.com makes it simple and match you to scholarships you qualify for. . Scholarships.com Website
Varies Houston FASFA and TAFSA Find help to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive money for college. Aid FAFSA and TAFSA Website
July 31, 2024 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
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. Aid IRS Education Savings Account Website
None The SmartStudentTM Guide to Financial Aid This guide provides information on different types of financial aid and how to apply for that aid. Aid Financial Aid 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. Aid Texas Tomorrow Fund Website
None 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. Aid AmeriCorps Website
None Department of Education Grants and Programs Browse the Department of Education’s website for grants and scholarships available to all. Scholarship Dept. of Education Grants Website
None 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 Website
None 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
None FastWeb Fastweb is a free scholarship search platform that connects students to college scholarships, trade school scholarships, and financial aid tools. Scholarship FastWeb Website
None 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 Mae Website
None College for All Texans 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. Aid College for All Texans 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. Scholarship Texas Armed Services Website
June 30, 2024 FASFA 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. Aid StudentAid.gov Website
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. Aid Naviance Website
None StudentScholarship.org Student Scholarships is a large collection of scholarships from non-profit organizations and private companies. Scholarship Student Scholarship Website
March 7, 2024 Gilman International Scholarship Provides undergraduate students of limited financial means (Pell Grant Recipients) funding to study or intern abroad. Scholarship Gilman Scholarship Website
November 14, 2023 (Annual) 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
2025-2026 Cycle Opens April 2024 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. Scholarship Fulbright Website
Varies 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. Neither Virtual Student Scholarship Website
None Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS) STEPS offers scholarships, grants, and academic/career resources, all for minority students. Scholarship STEPS Website
None EcuMed 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 EcuMed Website
None EMERGE (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 Fellowship 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.

Apply Texas

  • 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.

Common App

  • Get connected with everything you need to apply to college, research financial aid and scholarships, and get advice from counselors, advisors and mentors.