There’s Still Time to Apply for These Scholarships, Part 3: Local Edition

Parts 1 and 2 of our feature on spring-deadline scholarships listed regional and national scholarship competitions. But of course, there are Houston-specific scholarships, too. The application deadline for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarships may have come and gone, but there are still a few local scholarships with plenty of time to apply.

In this third and final installment, we’ll cover late-deadline scholarships funded by Houston organizations and geared towards Houston students. The award amounts are smaller on average than one finds with nationally competitive scholarships, but on the other hand, so is the pool of candidates. The relatively higher odds of winning make local scholarships well worth applying to.

1. Greater Houston Community Foundation Scholarships

Award: $2,000 – $4,000; See Individual Descriptions Below

Decision Factors: Varies; See Individual Descriptions Below

Deadline to Apply: March 30, 2015

The Greater Houston Community Foundation is an organization which partners with businesses to put their philanthropic contributions to good use in a variety of contexts throughout Houston. A number of Houston-based corporations and charitable trusts offer scholarships through the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Further details and applications for all of these scholarships are available here.

• The A.D. Osherman Scholarship requires Texas state residency and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Decision factors include financial need and history of community service, and special consideration is given to minorities, first-generation college students, and veterans. The award is $2,000 for two-year college students and $3,000 for four-year college students.
• The Nancy D. Palm Scholarship requires US citizenship, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and an intent to major or specialize in Elementary Education. Decision factors include community service and character. The award is $4,000.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation also administers a number of corporate scholarships available only to families of the corporations’ employees. Because the applicant pool for scholarships of this nature is typically very small, the odds are good, so if your child might be eligible for a corporate scholarship of this nature, it’s definitely a good idea to apply.

Your child may be eligible for a corporate scholarship administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation if you (or your spouse) work for one of the following companies: the Alegacy Group, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Camden Property Trust, Hilcorp, Silver Eagle Distributors, Southwestern Energy Company (or its subsidiaries), the Houston Country Club, the Lakeside Country Club, the River Oaks Country Club, or the Royal Oaks Country Club. These awards range from $1,000 to $5,500, and some are renewable. More details are available here.

2. Texas Renaissance Festival Scholarships

Award: $1,500

Decision Factors: Intended College Major, Academics, Artistic Talent (In Some Cases)

Deadline to Apply: April 1, 2015 (Postmark Date)

The Texas Renaissance Festival is primarily a seasonal attraction featuring jousting, theatrical and musical performances, shops, and food served on sticks. During the off-season, however, the Festival hosts a number of other, related events – including School Days, when the Festival is open exclusively to student groups and student performances and artwork are heavily featured.

As an offshoot of School Days, the Festival offers three scholarships for graduating seniors. One award is given to a student intending to major in education; a second is given to a student intending to major in the fine arts; and a third is given to a student intending to major in the humanities. You can learn more and download the applications here.

3. The George Foundation High School Scholarship Program

Award: Up to $5,000

Decision Factors: Residence in Fort Bend County, Financial Need, Intention to Attend a Texas College

Deadline to Apply: March 15, 2015 (Postmark Date)

The George Foundation is a charitable organization which exists to serve the needs of the Fort Bend County community and improve the lives of its people. In addition to charitable grants for local good causes, the foundation provides scholarships to 25 graduating seniors from Fort Bend County. Scholarships are renewable up to four years. You can learn more and download the application here.

4. World Affairs Council of Houston Scholarship

Award: $2,500

Decision Factors: Attendance at World Affairs Council Events, Financial Need, Academics, Character

Deadline to Apply: March 25, 2015 (Postmark Date)

The World Affairs Council of Houston, a member of the World Affairs Councils of America, is a nonpartisan political organization that promotes public understanding of and interest in international relations. In order to encourage students to become more aware of and engaged in global politics, the Council offers scholarships to six Houston high school seniors who have demonstrated an interest in international affairs. One key means of demonstrating such interest is attendance of World Affairs Council events; students must attend a minimum of three events before March 15 to be eligible for the scholarship.

You can learn more and download the application here.