Gilmer Independent School District

• McDermott Scholarship Program
• Burress Law Scholarship Program (6 Annual Underdog Scholarships)
• Texas Leadership Scholarship Program
• Work Ethic Scholarship
• Imagine America Foundation Scholarship
• Discover Student Loans Sweepstakes
• American Indian College Fund – Provides Native American students with scholarships and financial support for the nation’s 33 accredited tribal colleges and universities.
• American Indian Graduate Center & AIGCS - The largest scholarship providers to Native students in the United States, awarding $15 million in scholarships annually and more than $200 million since inception. For almost 50 years, AIGC has funded students pursing undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in any field of study at any accredited institution of choice, working with over 500 tribes in all 50 states.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund – The nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted to providing college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
• Cappex – A free website where you can learn which colleges want you, before you apply and learn about more than $11 billion in merit aid scholarships.
• CashCourse – Information that helps college students stay financially informed.
• Chegg – A place to connect with scholarships and learn about colleges.
• The College Board Opportunity Scholarships - The program guides juniors and seniors through the college planning process and offers the chance to earn scholarships, from $500 to $40,000, for every action that students complete.
• Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation – Educational and scholarship opportunities for students of all levels.
• Dell Scholars Program – Recognizes academic potential and determination in students that have a definite need for financial assistance.
• Fastweb – Create a profile and let fastweb do the research on scholarships, internships colleges and more for you.
• Going Merry - A free, one-stop scholarships platform. It matches you with scholarships and then helps you apply directly. It has both local and national scholarships and you can bulk-apply for multiple scholarships, which share similar essay prompts, using one application.
• Goizueta Legacy Scholarship - Provides scholarships for the children of Coca-Cola employees.
• HS Finder (Hispanic Scholarship Fund) – Scholarship information for Latino students.
• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation - A national scholarship provider dedicated to advancing the education of promising students who have financial need. Open to high-achieving high school seniors who seek to attend and graduate from some of the nation's best four-year college and universities.
• KnowHow2GO – Complete information on college prep, whether in middle school or seniors.
• The NSHSS Foundation - The NSHSS Foundation fosters the growth of students pursuing the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), business, economics, public policy, and environmental science and sustainability fields. The NSHSS Foundation connects young scholars with additional opportunities to advance their education, personal growth and career interests.
• Peerlift - Proven scholarships, internships, summer programs, and more gathered by fellow students like you. (Founded by a team of 2017 Coca-Cola Scholars!) Learn more about the creation of Peerlift.
• Reagan Foundation Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for outstanding student leaders.
• Scholar Snapp - A free, simple to use data standard that allows students to reuse their application information - including contact information, essays, transcripts, etc. - from one scholarship application to another thereby streamlining the college scholarship application process.
• Scholarships – A free college scholarship search and financial aid information.
• Scholarship America – Provides information and resources for your scholarship search.
• Scholly – A mobile app that provides students with a fast and simple way to find scholarships for college. (Created by Christopher Gray, a Coca-Cola Scholar!)
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund – Provides scholarships, programmatic and capacity building support to the 47 public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• UNCF – Awards 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from low- and moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room and board.

Scholarships 25-26

January Scholarships

Scholarship: Eastman Black History Oratorical Contest
Amount: 1st Place-$1500, 2nd Place-$1000, 3rd Place-$750, 4th Place-$500, and 5th Place-$250.
Deadline: 1/9/2026 @ 11:59 PM
Description: Applicants must submit an original 3–5-page essay, discussing an acknowledged Black or African American STEM contributor no later than January 9, at 11:59 p.m. via https://cvent.me/YMvEzz. Questions about the contest may be directed to txoconnect@eastman.com. No essays will be accepted via email

Scholarship: Northeast Texas Air and Space Forces Essay Contest
Amount: 1st-$2000, 2nd- $1500, 3rd- $1000
Deadline: 1/9/2026 
Description: Filling Our Military Forces: Volunteers, Compulsory, or Other? Contest entry form and the essay must be submitted by email. Essay contest information can be found on the scholarship board in the College and Career Center.

 

Scholarships: ETCF 
Amount: Varies depending on the scholarship
Deadline: Start NOW (deadlines are March 1st)

 

Scholarship: Ag Champs & Marsha Martin Scholarship Application
Amount: $5000
Deadline: 1/15/2026
Description: Must be a high school senior, be a member of the FFA or 4-H, submit current transcript, submit a resume that includes awards and accomplishments, and submit an essay.

 

Scholarship: UNCF Fidelity Scholars Program
Amount: Varies
Opens; October 1, 2025
Deadline: 1/29/2026
Description: The Fidelity Scholars program will fund bachelor’s degree recipients for up to four years of study. For letters of recommendation that need to be emailed directly to the program by a school administrator, please send them to FidelityScholars@uncf.org* Must have an unweighted GPA between a 2.5-3.59, be Pell eligible, planning to enroll in a 4-year accredited college, be a US citizen or permanent resident, must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree

 

Scholarship: H.E.B. (Sports in Action) Scholarship
Amount: $2000 (15 awarded)
Deadline: 1/30/2026
Description: You 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.

 

Scholarship: Eastman Employee Resource Groups (ERG) Scholarship
Amount: $2000 (several will be awarded)
Deadline: 1/31/2026 
Description: Eastman's Employee Resource Group (ERG) Scholarships are for the purpose of supporting local students who are interested in pursuing degrees in the fields of operations, maintenance or engineering. GPA-3.0 minimum

 

February Scholarships

Scholarships: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship
Amount: $20,000
Deadline:February 2, 2026
Description: Must be a Texas resident, a graduating high school senior, and plan to attend an accredited not-for-profit university in Texas. You will need to have your FAFSA completed. If not born in the US, proof of citizenship. If a dependent of a service member, proof of service. SAT or ACT Scores (official report with applicant's full name visible required)

 

Scholarships: Area Go Texas Vocational Scholarship
Amount: $6000
Deadline:February 2, 2026
Description: GPA: 2.0, Texas resident, graduating high school senior. You must be planning to attend a Texas trade school or junior college and participate in a curriculum leading to an Associate’s degree or certificate in a vocational field.

 

Scholarships: ETPCU McLauchlin Scholarship 
Amount: $4000
Deadline:February 15, 2026
Description: For students who plan to pursue a degree in education. The student, or an immediate family member, must have a Credit Union account in good standing to qualify for either scholarship. The applicant must be a graduating senior attending high school within East Texas Professional Credit Union’s field of membership. Scholarship eligibility extends to students attending school in Anderson, Angelina, Camp, Cass, northern Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Titus and Upshur counties. THE APPLICANT MUST QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP THROUGH ONE OF THE COUNTIES THAT WE SERVE.   

Scholarships: ETPCU Presidential Scholarship
Amount: $2000
Deadline:February 15, 2026
Description: For students who plan to pursue any degree. The student, or an immediate family member, must have a Credit Union account in good standing to qualify for either scholarship. The applicant must be a graduating senior attending high school within East Texas Professional Credit Union’s field of membership. Scholarship eligibility extends to students attending school in Anderson, Angelina, Camp, Cass, northern Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Morris, Nacogdoches, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Titus and Upshur counties. THE APPLICANT MUST QUALIFY FOR MEMBERSHIP THROUGH ONE OF THE COUNTIES THAT WE SERVE.   

Scholarships: Austin Bank
Amount: $2500 (9) and $500 (27)
Deadline:February 20, 2026
Description: Must have a minimum GPA 2.5 on a 4-point scale. Must have a completed application.

 

Scholarships: ACET Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline:February 26, 2026
Description: These programs are designed to support the growth and development of high school seniors and paras in their higher education journeys.

1. Attend a public school district or charter school
2. On target to be a 2025-26 high school graduate
3. Participation in compensatory educational programs (Title I, State Comp-Ed, Career and Technical Education, Bilingual/ESL, State Comp Ed, etc.)
4. Demonstrated commitment to improving academic skills through engagement in such programs

March Scholarships

Scholarship: Horatio Alger Scholarship-FOR JUNIORS
Amount: $25,000 (25)
Opens: December 1^st
Deadline: March 1st 
Description: Demonstrate financial need ($100,000 or lower adjusted family income), be involved in co-curricular and community activities, minimum GPA: 2.0, be a US citizen

 

Scholarship: Horatio Alger State Scholarship-JUNIORS ONLY
Amount:  $10,000 (35)
Opens: December 1^st
Deadline: March 1st 
Description: Demonstrate financial need ($100,000 or lower adjusted family income), be involved in co-curricular and community activities, minimum GPA: 2.0, be a US citizen, may plan to attend a 2-year college.

 

Scholarship: Janet S. Dicke Scholarship-Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas)
Amount: $25,000
Opens: December 1^st
Deadline: March 1^st
Description: planning to attend Trinity University in the fall 2026, demonstrate financial need, GPA: 3.5 or higher, be a US citizen

 

Scholarship: Melvyn N. Klein Scholarship
Amount: $10,000 (5)
Opens: December 1^st
Deadline: March 1^st
Description:be a high school senior, planning to pursue a degree from Baylor University, Colgate University, Columbia University, Stanford University, Tulane University or University of Texas after high school graduation, GPA: 2.5, be a US citizen

 

Scholarship: Patricia Cole Scholarship (flyer link if wanted)
Amount: $12,500 (12)
Opens: December 1^st
Deadline: March 1st 
Description: Be a high school senior, planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business or STEM at an accredited non-profit or private institution after high school, demonstrate financial need, GPA: 2.5 or higher, be a US citizen

 

Scholarship: Vance Cryer Marine Corps Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Opens: December 1^st
Deadline: March 1st 
Description: Be a child of a wounded or deceased United States Marine, be a high school senior, planning to attend a non-profit or private college/university or 2-year college immediately after graduation, demonstrate financial need ($100,000 or lower adjusted gross family income), GPA: 2.5 or higher, be a US citizen

 

Scholarship: Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas
Amount: $2500 (200 awarded)
Opens: October 1^st
Deadline: March 1^st (winners notified on April 15^th)
Description: All graduating high school seniors who are Texas residents and ready to pursue higher education are eligible to apply. Masonic affiliation is a positive factor considered during the selection process, but it is not a requirement.     

Scholarship: The Texas Telephone Association Foundation (TTAF)
Amount: $8000 ($2000 fall and spring semesters for 4 years) (6 awarded)
Opens: October 1^st
Deadline: March 14th  (winners notified in April 2026)
Description: All graduating high school seniors who are Texas residents and ready to pursue higher education are eligible to apply. Masonic affiliation is a positive factor considered during the selection process, but it is not a requirement. 

Scholarship: Longview Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline: March 31st  
Description: The Longview Regional Medical Center Scholarship Fund was established for the purpose of providing financial assistance to eligible high school students who (1) are pursuing a career in a medically related field of study and (2) can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. 

Eligibility:

1. High school transcript attesting a 3.0 GPA or higher.
2. Copy of ACT or SAT test scores
3. Personal biography
4. Three personal references
5. Enroll in a minimum of 12 hours per semester in the fall of 2026.
6. Submit application by March 31, 2026

APPLICATIONS ARE ON THE SCHOLARSHIP WALL OUTSIDE THE COUNSELING CENTER.

Scholarship: Kiwanis Club of Gilmer, Texas
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 31st 
Description: To be eligible for the first half of the scholarship (not less than $250), the recipient must present proof of registration for the courses along with the hours that the scholarship will apply towards. Please email to: ljohnson@urecc.com or mail to the address below. 2. To be eligible for the second half of the scholarship (not less than $250), the recipient shall present proof of registration for the courses and hours that the scholarship will apply towards along with their grades for the previous semester’s courses and hours. 3. To be eligible for the second half of the scholarship, you must maintain no less than a 3.0 grade point average. 4. You must be classified as a full time student in good standing (minimum of 12 college hours). 5. All scholarship monies will be paid directly to the college or university of your choice upon review of all the above mentioned required information. 6. Complete the application and submit it no later than March 31st.

APPLICATIONS ARE ON THE SCHOLARSHIP WALL OUTSIDE THE COUNSELING CENTER.

 

April Scholarships

 

Scholarship: The Twentieth Century Club
Amount: $500 (more than one will be awarded)
Deadline: April 1^st
Description:This scholarship is available to any Upshur County high school senior without regard to gender or ethnic background. The scholarship will be awarded to a student planning to attend a college, university, or trade school for the 2026 school year.
The criteria upon which this scholarship award will be determined are:
• Merit
• Scholastic record
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Evidence of community service and participation in extracurricular activities
• Additional consideration will be given to relatives of Twentieth Century Club members
APPLICATIONS WILL BE OUTSIDE THE COUNSELING CENTER.

 

Scholarship: Bluebonnet Literary Club Scholarship
Amount: $500 ($250 per semester over two semesters)
Deadline: April 3^rd
Description: Your completed application must be received by April 3, 2026. A completed application consists of the following:

1. 1. Application form
2. 2. Official High School Transcript
3. 3. A Letter of Recommendation from a Principal, Counselor, Coach, Faculty Member, or employer
4. 4. An essay of 500 words or less- “Why I Deserve This Scholarship”

The scholarship will be awarded to a graduating Upshur County High School Senior who is entering college. Priority consideration will be given to scholastic record and financial need as well as participation in church, community and school activities. Each recipient must sign up for and complete a minimum course load of 12 semester hours each semester and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE OUTSIDE THE COUNSELING CENTER.

 

Scholarship: Colonel Aaron Burgstein Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1000
Deadline: April 30^th
Description: The scholarship was established for minor dependents of Active Duty, retired, or prior service members of all branches, reservists or National Guard members who are/will be pursuing a two or four-year degree at an accredited college/university. Priority will be given to those dependents whose parent/guardian either: served for eight or more years; died while serving on or in an active duty status, or; has been classified as a wounded warrior through the Air Force Wounded Warrior program. Additional funds supporting this program have been contributed by family, friends and colleagues.

 

Scholarship: Lt. Col. Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship
Amount: $5000
Deadline: April 30th 
Description:This scholarship is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Lt Col Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti and was established for minor dependents of active duty or retired Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Space Force enlisted Airmen and Guardians. It is for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in the area of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has graduated from high school in 2025 and who is entering their first year at an accredited university. Once the recipient is selected, the Air & Space Forces Association will notify the winner by email and will send a check to the recipient, which can be used for any education related expense.

 

Scholarship: John C. and Blanche Lee Lindsay Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $2500
Deadline: April 30th 
Description: Parent or legal guardian of the applicant must be Active Duty, veteran, or retired service members, reservists, or National Guard members of the United States Air Force. Applicant must be pursuing a degree at an accredited college or university. Applicant must provide the following: a Statement of Purpose describing how the scholarship will assist in meeting their educational goals, the most current transcript or, if not yet enrolled, proof of acceptance into an accredited college or university, one letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, counselor, or work/volunteer supervisor. Priority is given to applicants who: a) have at least one parent/guardian who is an AFA member; and b) are majoring in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field. Recipients must provide AFA with a W-9 form in order to receive their award.

 

Scholarship: Delta Dental Grants
Amount: $2000 (5 awarded)
Deadline: April 30th 
Description: This program was made possible by a grant from Delta Dental to provide scholarships and grants to military spouses, dependents, and transitioning service members for the advancement of oral health and wellness. The following requirements must be met: Applicant must be an Air or Space Force spouse, dependent, or a transitioning service member, must be pursuing training, certification, or a degree related to oral health and wellness. This can include a range of programs, such as dentistry, nursing, home healthcare aid, caregiver training, etc., provide a Statement of Purpose describing how the grant will assist in meeting their educational goals, submit proof of enrollment in a training, certification, or degree program. This may include a transcript, academic registration, or letter of acceptance, but must include your full name and your area of study, provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, counselor, or work/volunteer supervisor, and recipients must provide AFA with a W-9 form in order to receive their award.

 

Scholarship: Dr. Sydell Perlmutter Gold Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $5000 (renewable up to 4 years-$20,000 total)
Deadline: April 30th 
Description: Qualified applicants must submit a complete online application. Eligible applicants will be: Female graduating high school seniors who have excelled in mathematics, accepted into an accredited four-year college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, Dependents of currently serving, retired, or deceased Air Force members.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

1. Are first-generation college students.
2. Have demonstrated financial need based on most recent submitted FAFSA.