Outside Scholarships

Instructions for submitting outside scholarships to HSU:

1.) Make the scholarship check payable to the order of Hardin-Simmons University.

2.) List the student’s first and last name along with the HSU ID# within the memo of the scholarship check or in an additional communication letter.

3.) Indicate if the scholarship check is term specific (EX. Fall Term Only / Fall & Spring).

4.) Mail scholarship check and any additional information to:

Office of Financial Aid
Attn: Scholarship Coordinator
HSU Box 16050
Abilene, TX 79698

Outside Scholarship Report Form

Outside scholarships – those that are funded by private individuals, foundations, organizations, play an important role in providing gift revenue that you can use to pay your educational costs. You can apply for numerous outside scholarships online, although some scholarships require you to complete a paper application. All have certain required qualifications that applicants must meet, and all have an application filing deadline.

This guide is provided to permit easy access to some available outside scholarships, many of which are local or regional. The content of this guide is frequently revised as old scholarship offers expire and new ones take their places. There are many other outside scholarships available that aren’t covered in this guide, so be sure to do other searches related to your intended major, your parents’ employers, your church or denomination, and other unique aspects about you.

Legitimate scholarship offers will require specific information about you and often the application requires you to provide a written statement about your need or qualification eligibility, but none will ask for personal financial access information (your personal bank account or credit card information). In your searches, those kinds of personal financial information are generally an indication of an illegitimate offer, and they should be avoided. If you are completing an online application, look in the URL address line to be sure you are logged into a secure site (https://). If you are not, the information you provide may be accessed by others. If you are unsure of a specific scholarship or application process, please contact the HSU Financial Aid Office.

The Abilene Black Chamber of Commerce has established a scholarship to be awarded to African American students. The Annual MLK Banquet will serve as the funding source for the scholarship. Therefore, the amount of the Scholarship may vary from year to year.

Deadline: Varies

Website: https://www.abileneblackchamber.com/scholarships/

The Abilene Community Foundation annually awards scholarships to local high school seniors and to students currently enrolled in one of the local universities. Eligibility requirements vary by award. To gain access to the list of awards and apply, create an account with the ACF Academic works system.

November 1 – Applications Live on the Community Foundation Website
March 1 – is the deadline to apply

Website/application: https://cfabilene.org/scholarships/

Various Scholarships are available through the Abilene Education Foundation. The Abilene Education Foundation is a non-profit community organization created to promote and enhance excellence in education for the students of the Abilene Independent School District through enrichment of its programs.
Deadline: Varies
Website: http://aefcool.org/scholarship-feed/

Junior Achievement of Abilene empowers young people to own their economic success. One of the ways in which we are most proud is by giving over $50,000 annually in scholarships to local high school students.
Deadline: April 19, 2024
Website: https://abilene.ja.org/scholarship/student-scholarships

Ten $1,500 awards to members graduating from high school this spring.
The electronic application is found at https://abileneteachersfcu.awardspring.com/.

More information about the scholarship can be found on our website at https://www.abileneteachersfcu.org/about/our-community/.

Deadline: March 4, 2024

The AWCF is awarding two scholarships of $1,000 each, which are paid out in the spring semester. A non-traditional student is a full-time college student that has major life and work responsibilities (e.g., full-time job or dependents).

Website: https://www.abiwomansclub.org/educational-support

The Women of Promise & Courage scholarships were originally established by the Abilene Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a community since 1881. For more than 130 years, we have worked together as a national grassroots organization to improve the lives of millions of women and their families. The purpose of the Women of Achievement Award is to recognize and honor women of diverse cultures, roles, and accomplishments who have demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the Abilene region through significant voluntary contributions.

Application Window: Oct. 24- Dec. 31, 2023

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/abilene-woa/scholarship

A scholarship search tool connecting students with scholarship opportunities, helpful information, and resources needed to be successful in their higher education journeys and beyond.

Website: https://accessscholarships.com/

Explore the awards below for information on the scholarships that may be found at Scholarships.com. Mind you, there are often other criteria, in addition to race and ethnicity, for qualifying for these and most other scholarships, which is why you should conduct a free scholarship search to get a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to your specific situation and qualifications. This will save time searching so you can spend that time applying for and, hopefully, winning scholarships.

Deadline: March 13- 31

https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/minority-scholarships/african-american-scholarships/

The Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for different colleges/universities and fields of study, and eligibility for scholarships is based on the student’s county of residence, planned college or university, and/or anticipated field of study. While most of the scholarship funds available are for graduating high school seniors, there are a few funds available for currently enrolled college students.

Deadline: Second Friday in March at 12 p.m. (noon)

Website/application: https://www.amarilloareafoundation.org/Scholarship

Each year the Ambassadors for Community Health – Auxiliary at St. David’s Medical Center (A4CH) award scholarships to students pursuing a degree in fields related directly or indirectly to the delivery of healthcare services. Scholarships are awarded to students attending a Texas college or university and who are currently enrolled or have been accepted into a Master’s Level healthcare program or higher (with the exception of BSNs) at the time of application. The awards are per semester and are awarded for Fall and Spring semesters only. Scholarships range from $4,000-8,000 and 15-25 are awarded annually.

Deadline: March 10, 2024 before midnight

Website: https://atriumgiftshop.org/pages/scholarship-program

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) helps students move forward in their educational journeys by providing a wide range of programs and scholarship opportunities. AISES scholarships help students acquire skills and training that will help them meet the unique STEM needs of our communities. We highly encourage you to apply for all the scholarships you are eligible for! To apply, you must be an AISES member.

Deadline: April 30, 2024
Website: https://www.aises.org/students/scholarships

APA and its affiliate organizations provide a wide range of grants, scholarships, and awards with the aim of advancing science and practice of psychology as a means of understanding behavior and promoting health, education, and human welfare. The database allows you to narrow your search for scholarships to fund your education by category and due dates.

Deadline: Varies by award

The Army Scholarship Foundation awards one-year financial scholarships (not grants or loans) on an annual basis to qualified and deserving students. The amount of award ranges from $500 to $2000 for undergraduate studies at accredited educational/technical institutions. Scholarship recipients may apply to renew their scholarships annually for a total of four years of higher education. Renewal is not automatic, but depends on academic performance and continued academic eligibility. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record and participation in school and community activities.

  • Be sons or daughters of regular active duty, active duty Reserve, or active duty National Guard U.S. Army members in good standing,
    • OR be spouses of serving enlisted regular active duty, active duty Reserve, or active duty National Guard U.S. Army members in good standing,
    • OR must be sons or daughters of former U.S. Army members who received an honorable discharge or medical discharge, or who were killed while serving in the U.S. Army.
  • Be high school seniors, high school graduates, or registered as undergraduate students at an accredited college or post high school vocational/technical institution.
  • Have a 2.0-grade point average on a 4 point system.
  • Be a U.S. citizen. •Not have reached their 24th birthday by the application deadline date in the year they apply if they are a child of an Army member.
  • Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree from a college or university.

Deadline:The application window for academic year 2024-2025 will be January 15, 2024 to April 15, 2024

Website: Army Foundation scholarship page

The Austin Community Foundation scholarship requires the applicant to create an account with their website. A general application will be done that will evaluate and match students to awards they qualify for, which will then take you to individual applications for each award. A monthly newsletter is also available to keep student informed of opportunities.

Deadline: April 3, 2024, before midnight

Website: ACF scholarships page

Champion Energy Services will award one $5,000 tuition scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s university toward tuition. We also award a $3,000 tuition scholarship for second place and a $2,000 tuition scholarship for third place.

In keeping with Champion Energy’s commitment to community service, student applications will be evaluated based on academic performance, awards, volunteerism, and an essay.

Requirements:
• Be a resident of Texas in your senior year of high school, planning to attend an accredited two- or four-year college degree program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Other Questions? Email scholarships@champion.energy

Deadline: March 31, 2024

Website: https://www.championenergyservices.com/residential/sign-up/additional-home-services/champion-scholarship-award-program

The initial funding for the Chase Scholarships began in 2007 with Mack and Marilyn and members of the Chase Family pledging $1.3 Million dollars to the first scholarship recipients in the Chase Scholarship Program. Over the next 10 years the family has pledged an additional $15 million dollars to the scholarship program for graduating seniors.
The Funds will only accept scholarship applications from current Artesia High School seniors who are U.S. citizens and who have been accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade school in the United States. Applicant must have attended Artesia Public Schools for (4) consecutive years with a minimum 3.0+ solid GPA.
Additionally, the applicant must complete the FAFSA application for the current year attending college.

Deadline: February 28-March 6, 2024
Website: https://chasefoundation.com/guidelines/

Citizens wants to honor the dedication of students and families pursuing higher learning! Fill out the registration form to be entered for a chance to win a Grand Prize of $15,000 to use towards school expenses and one of the $2,500 monthly prizes! Additionally, each quarter a student who meets the required criteria for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship Prize will be eligible to win a $2,500 quarterly prize for use towards school expenses. See Official Rules for details.

Deadline: Sweepstake ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 30, 2024
Website: https://www.citizensbank.com/student-lending/scholarship.aspx

There are lots of scholarship opportunities out there, but it can be hard to know where to start looking. Some might even find it too intimidating to begin looking at all. Colleges of Distinction has compiled a list of scholarships to help get the ball rolling.

Deadline: Varies
Website: https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/?topic[]=financial-aid-scholarships

Applicants are primarily high school seniors, but awards are available for students currently enrolled in college. A general application through the CF website evaluates the student to match them with awards they are eligible for.

Deadline: Varies, see website

Website: Communities Foundation of Texas

Awards more than 100 scholarships to South Plains area students every year. The application process varies depending on the award, which all have different eligibility requirements. View the current scholarships page to access and apply for awards.

Deadline: Varies, see website

Website: CFWT current scholarships

The Sallie Mae Fund’s Completing the Dream Scholarship Program helps outstanding students from minority and other historically underserved communities complete their post-secondary education. Students in their final year who are facing financial challenges may apply to receive a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 to help complete their post-secondary education program.

Deadline: June 28, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET or until all scholarship dollars have been awarded

Website: https://www.salliemae.com/landing/completing-the-dream/

Awarded to students from the Dallas area. Eligibility requirements vary by award. Check individual listings to see if you are eligible and the application process.

Deadline: Varies by award

Website: Dallas Foundation Scholarship page

The Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) has established a Scholarship program to award Scholarships to qualified candidates. These scholarships are an investment in the field of construction, and in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They provide promising construction professionals with financial assistance while completing their studies.

Scholarships are awarded twice a year, once during the spring and once during the fall. Scholarship applications must be received no later than April 30 and November 30 for the spring and fall, respectively. Awards will be presented in the June meeting in the spring and the November meeting in the fall. Previous recipients are eligible to re-apply in any semester for which they qualify, but a new application must be submitted each time.

General Eligibility Criteria
1. Have an existing or prospective relationship with the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
a. Demonstrate a relationship with CFMA, TEXO or ASA OR
b. Be a graduate of a high school located in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area OR
c. Be currently enrolled in a college or university in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area OR
d. Demonstrate the ability and desire to pursue a career in accounting/finance related to the construction industry in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Scholarship Submission Requirements
In order to be considered for a scholarship, all applicants must submit all of the following:
1. CFMA Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter Scholarship Application
2. A college or university transcript from the most recent semester showing:
a. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale AND
b. They have completed at least three courses (9 credit hours) from the following subject areas: accounting, finance, or construction-related classes.
3. A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well and can tell us honestly about your character and achievements. The letter of recommendation should answer two questions:
a. How does the applicant perform compared to his/her peers?
b. Does the applicant exemplify what you consider to be good character?
4. An essay outlining your professional goals, which geographic area you expect to achieve those goals in, and how this scholarship will help you achieve those goals. (Limit 500 words)

Discover’s college scholarship search tool gives you fast access to more than 4 million scholarships worth more than $22 billion. With this tool, students can customize their scholarship search to meet their unique needs. No registration required.

https://www.discover.com/student-loans/college-planning/scholarships/search

The Dyess Spouses’ Club is committed to serving by providing social and service opportunities for the Dyess and Abilene community. Membership is open to spouses of active duty, reserve or retired military, as well as spouses of Dyess civilian employees and widows of service members.

Deadline: Applications accepted from Wednesday, November 15, 2023 – February, 16, 2024
Website: https://www.dyessspousesclub.com/scholarships

Eligibility: This is a scholarship fund managed by HighGround Advisors (formerly Baptist Foundation of Texas) and designed to assist children of present and former missionaries serving through either the North American Mission Board (NAMB) or International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. This scholarship provides financial assistance to those children enrolled at a college or university operating in cooperation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

The amount of the scholarship award fluctuates each term based on the number of applicants who meet the requirements during each specific semester. Past awards are no guarantee of future awards. Eligible applicants must be in good social and academic standing with the university or college they attend or plan to attend. This scholarship is limited to students enrolled in either the regular Fall or Spring semester. The scholarship is not granted for summer, winter or mini semesters.

Bass Scholarship Application

Deadlines:

  • Fall Term: Applications and transcripts are accepted between June 1 – July 15
  • Spring Term: Between December 15 – January 10 (transcript only)

See individual awards to see detailed eligibility requirements. At the end of the scholarship’s description, you will click Access Application to be taken to the online application system. If it is your first time to access the system, you will be asked to create a login and password. Remember your login information as you will need it to get back into your application or to complete additional applications. You will be able to exit and save your application(s) to complete another day. Submitted applications may be edited up to the deadline. East Texas residents are those living in one of the following counties: Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Delta, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hopkins, Houston, Lamar, Leon, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rains, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wood.

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Website: ETCF scholarships page

Military Scholarships: Dependents and/or spouses of fallen or disabled US service members are eligible to apply for scholarships.

First Responder Scholarship: Dependents and/or spouses of fallen or disabled first responders are eligible to apply for scholarships.

Deadline: Open Feb. 1–April 1 annually

Website: Folds of Honor website

FC2S partners with organizations, foundations, and individuals to deliver scholarships to foster youth across the country. With this funding and our support, hundreds of young people reach their educational goals every year.

Deadline: Opens in May

Website: https://www.fc2success.org/our-programs/information-for-students/

Awards are given to students from the Houston area. Eligibility requirements vary.

Deadline: varies by award

Website: Greater Houston CF Scholarships

We empower Latino families with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing scholarships and support services to as many exceptional Hispanic American students as possible.

Deadline: February 15, 2024

Website: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship

The Kiwanis Club of Abilene serves the children of the world and Abilene. Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.

Deadline: Varies
Website: https://k00403.site.kiwanis.org/scholarships/

Offered to students enrolled in one of the 10 schools eligible in the state (HSU qualifies). Must show evidence of being actively engaged in his/her respective ethnic/minority community and is essential that the applicant be a member of a Texas Baptist Church affiliated and participating with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Preference is given to Texas minority/ethnic students who will serve as future lay or vocational ministry leaders in Texas Baptist ethnic/minority churches.

Deadline: New and Renewal Application forms will be available January 15.
The application must be received by April 15 each year

Website: Mary Hill Davis Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program

Application is for McKinney High School graduating seniors. Applicants will submit an application via mmeeff.com, along with two electronic teacher recommendations, two electronic recommendations from the community, a copy of the email confirming the successful submission of the application, and a parent signature sheet. Awards are both academic and financial need-based.

Deadline: Varies, see website

Website: McKinney Education Foundation Scholarships

The database is constantly updated to include the latest public and private scholarships, as well as research grants for undergraduate and graduate school. It provides the most accurate, updated nursing scholarship and grant information available on the Internet.

Deadline: Varies by award

Website: Nursing Scholarship Website

Obtaining a proper nursing education is a non-negotiable part of becoming a licensed and practicing nurse anywhere in the country. This process can take multiple years and cost students quite a lot of money, depending on how far they advance in their schooling. To help lift this potentially heavy financial burden, many students interested in advancing their nursing education turn to scholarship opportunities to help offset the cost.

Earning a graduate degree can be a heavy financial burden, and as a result, many counselors-in-training turn to scholarships to reduce their debt burden. This article highlights 25 scholarship opportunities that might help you pay for your degree should you qualify and be selected. Each scholarship includes a brief description, the award amount, and a link to the scholarship website. As you read, please keep in mind that some information may have changed since this article’s publication (November 2019).

Website: https://teach.com/resources/finance-your-education/nursing-scholarships/

Who is eligible?

  • Graduating high school seniors from all 77 Oklahoma Counties
  • College students
  • Vocational-technical students
  • Nontraditional students

Of the more than 200 scholarships that we administer, more than 130 have a convenient and easy online application process. Simply follow the steps below to apply for a scholarship. Our scholarships have various application deadlines. Apply early and meet application deadlines. You will not be able to change responses or upload additional information after a scholarship deadline has passed.

Deadline: March 1, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Website: http://www.occf.org/scholarships/

Windmill Scholarship

Deadline: March 1, 2024

Website: https://pphef.org/Application/

Applications will open in January and are available to students in the Permian Basin area. To view a list of awards, create an account with the PBAF and complete the general application to be matched to awards.

Deadline: Opens January 1 and will close March 31 at midnight

Website: Permian Basin Area Foundation Scholarships

To be eligible for this award, applicants must:
•demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship;
•demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 grade point average/4.0 scale or equivalent);
•be citizens of the United States of America;
•be current high school seniors attending high school in the United States (students living on U.S. Armed Forces base and homeschooled students are also eligible); and
•plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.

Deadline: Opens October 16, 2023, and closes January 4, 2024, at 3 p.m. CST

Website: GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program | The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute

The Sallie Mae Scholarship Search tool is the free way to get access to more than 6 million college scholarships:

https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/tools/scholarship-search/

More than 90 awards are given to students in the San Antonio area. Eligibility requirements vary by awards. For a full list of their requirements and awards, see their website.

Deadline: Various deadlines

Website: SAAF Scholarship Page

Listed by degree or field of study, this page lists multiple scholarships available for female students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Deadline: Varies by award

Website: Scholarships for Women

Disability scholarships exist to provide college funding for students who possess numerous cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impediments that would make it difficult to attain a college degree. These scholarship opportunities help deserving students stay in school and out of debt, allowing them to more easily achieve their educational and career goals.

Deadline: Varies

Website: Scholarships for Physically Disabled Students

The Charles, Lela and Mary Slough Foundation Scholarship was established to help Texas residents entering or enrolled in any college or university within the United States. Applicants must be U.S Citizens, Texas Residents, Graduate from a Texas High School, and must not have exceeded more than 112 semester college credit hours.

Deadline: April 1

Website: Slough Foundation

Search thousands of scholarships, grants, and other aid award opportunities.:

https://www.sofi.com/scholarship-search/

You may also enter the $2,500 monthly prize drawing by filling out the entry form online.

Stars Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to academically talented and highly motivated students who intend to pursue full-time undergraduate, graduate or doctoral degrees. Applicants can attend any accredited college or university of their choosing.

Stars Scholarship Fund recipients represent every level of higher education and all fields of study, as we award students of either gender, any ethnicity, religion, and background.

Each application is reviewed for eligibility and scored based on quantitative data obtained from the applicant’s application records. Our process ensures that candidates are selected fairly and objectively, with each candidate demonstrating academic excellence and financial need.

Recipients must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a permanent resident card. Also must be a permanent resident of 5 or more years and have a permanent address in of the 30 qualifying counties listed. Must have earned/completed at least 12 undergraduate hours at a credited University before applying and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Deadline: Varies

Website: Stars Scholarship Fund

Financial need is not a factor.  We are looking for students whose vocation or avocation will help to further the democratic process.  Sumners Scholars alumni are currently serving on the Texas Supreme Court, serving as city managers, working for think tanks, coordinating political campaigns, and working in the Texas State Capitol just to name a few.

 

At-large scholarships support qualified students who demonstrate a passion for self-government. Students from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas are eligible to apply as long they are attending a college or university in Texas or Oklahoma.

Application Website: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=sumnersscholarships

Information Website: https://www.sumnersfoundation.org/scholarships/at-large/

There will be five (5) or more $1000.00 scholarships available for college-level students as well as three (3) or more somewhat larger scholarships to elementary and secondary students attending Christian-based institutions. Applicants must plan to attend one of the several schools listed in the application Instructions and have a sibling attending an ACSI member institution or an evangelical Christian-based four (4) year post-secondary degree granting institution. See application for all the rules and details.

Deadline: June 1

Website: The Jim and Shirley Suttle Scholarship Fund

The Taylor Electric Cooperative scholarship program provides $1,000 scholarships to local students each year. Scholarships will be sent directly to the university, college or vocational institution of each student’s choice. Applicants pursuing college and/or vocational-technical degrees will receive equal consideration.

Deadline: January 18, 2024
Website: https://taylorelectric.com/scholarship/

The TFS difference – Our massive scholarship database provides you with access to $41 billion in funding, and grows at a rate of 5,000 new awards per month.

Deadline: Varies

Website: Tuition Funding Source

There are numerous scholarships available through the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation. Each individual scholarship fund has its set criteria. There is one uniform Scholarship Application for most of the scholarships available—see Scholarship List for further details.

Deadline: February 1, 2024

Website: Scholarship Information | Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation (wfacf.org)