Listen up, service-minded HISD seniors who want a college scholarship opportunity. Submit a plan for the change you wish to see in your local community. Then, you may win tuition to the University of St. Thomas-Houston. UST announces its Hometown Heroes Scholarship Competition for high school seniors in the Houston Independent School District.

High GPA or Test Scores Not Required

Some scholarships only go to students with top test scores, but Hometown Heroes Scholarship Competition is more interested in creative, motivated, service-oriented students who want to make a change for the good of their community. It’s about a commitment to serving others.

Bring Your Community Idea and a Plan

Applying students will identify a problem in their community and suggest a solution. Then, they will demonstrate they have thought their plan through by writing a proposal that answers the following questions:

·      What problem are you solving?

·      What is your solution, and how will it create change in your community?

·      What is the timeline for your project and the estimated cost?

·      Have you already secured some resources for your plan, or have you consulted with community leaders who will help with your project?

UST Wants to Help You Change Your Community

Not only will the winning student be awarded a full tuition scholarship to UST, but they will receive funding and support to launch the plan and be a hero in their community.

Dean of Scholarships and Financial Aid Lynda McKendree said, “Students will essentially put a business plan together. In it, they will tell us the cost of their service project, so we will know the dollar amount they will need to fund it.”

As Houston’s only Catholic university, UST is dedicated to Catholic social teachings and service. Consequently, the Hometown Heroes Scholarship is a perfect fit.

Submit Your Application

Hometown Heroes applications from HISD seniors will be accepted from October 1 through January 16. Students should also apply for admission to UST and complete the 2023-24 FAFSA (after Oct. 1). Students chosen to advance to the second level of competition will be notified by the end of January 2023. In-person interviews will take place March 4, 2023, on campus. In the following weeks, UST will announce the full-tuition scholarship winner. In addition, two runners-up will be eligible for an additional scholarship.

Great opportunities like Hometown Heroes Scholarship Competition are meant to be seized. Find out how to apply here.