The Terry Scholarship represents most meaningful educational investment that has changed 6,782 students’ lives since 1987. The Terry Foundation, Texas’s largest private scholarship provider, has invested $396 million in outstanding scholars throughout the state. More than 5,000 Terry Scholar Alumni have graduated from our program and created a lasting legacy of academic excellence. The Foundation works with 11 Texas public universities to provide higher education to deserving individuals who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial need. Our continuous dedication to educational growth has led us to donate $8 million in scholarships this year—our largest yearly gift yet.
Terry Foundation Breaks Previous Records with $8M Award
“Going perfect in divisional play is a significant accomplishment at this stage in the season, but seeing Coach Elko pull it done in his first season as head coach is impressive.” — Jim Terry, Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation
The Terry Foundation has made history in educational philanthropy by announcing $8 million in scholarships for Texas students – their biggest allocation yet. Howard and Nancy Terry’s Houston-based organization, now 38 years old, keeps helping outstanding Texas high school graduates achieve their dreams.
Foundation Surpasses Annual Giving Goals
The Foundation shows its commitment to educational success by providing detailed scholarships at 13 public colleges in Texas. In addition, each Terry Scholar will get $5,000 to study overseas. The scholarship covers everything: tuition, fees, books, on-campus accommodation, food plans, and personal expenditures.
The Terry Foundation evaluates candidates based on three primary criteria: academic accomplishment, leadership potential, and financial need. A distinguished panel of current Terry Scholars, graduates, and Foundation Board members conducts individual interviews with candidates.
Scholars must meet these standards to keep their scholarship:
- Take at least 12 credit hours each semester
- Keep a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Earn at least a 2.0 GPA each semester
- Show up at Foundation events
- Write annual self-evaluation letters
What Makes 2024 Awards Special?
The scholarship awards for 2024 are particularly broad. Furthermore, students receive additional financing when their degree programs last longer than expected. Students who require 128-129 total hours may be eligible for one more semester, while those who require 130 or more hours may receive two.
The Foundation seeks students from the top 25% of their high school class who are involved in their communities. They normally assist families earning roughly $110,000 per year, but they evaluate each case separately.
The Terry Foundation provides students with more than just financial support. They have free access to confidential counselling services. This strategy has helped the Foundation become Texas’ largest private scholarship provider.
Scholars grow in four areas: scholarship, leadership, service, and community participation. They create lasting change and build strong networks at their universities through regular service projects.
To apply for 2025-2026, students need to:
- Graduate from a Texas high school or home-school
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Show strong grades and test scores
- Have a solid track record of leadership in school and community activities
How Many Students Receive Life-Changing Opportunity?
Texas students are beginning their college career under the Terry Foundation’s large scholarship program. The Foundation will award more than $19.5 million to about 856 Terry Scholars for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Demographics of 2024 Scholar Cohort
The 2024 class features talented students from across Texas. The University of Texas at El Paso awarded full-ride scholarships to 24 high school students. The grants include $5,000 for study abroad trips. Fort Hancock, Texas made history with the inaugural Terry Scholarship awardees.
Students must meet these requirements:
- Outstanding scholastic achievement
- Strong community volunteerism record
- Proven leadership capabilities
- Financial need based on FAFSA
UT Dallas welcomed fourteen freshman to its program. The new scholars include two the winners, four AP Scholars, and one National Hispanic Scholar. The university’s 99 Terry Scholars receive total awards of more than $2.2 million.
Partner Universities Welcome New Scholars
The Foundation works with thirteen public colleges in Texas. Each school provides a unique support system for its students. New scholars live in designated campus housing in order to create a sense of community. Scholars must attend three annual events:
- Campus orientation for new and current scholars
- Formal dinner with alumni speakers
- Spring picnic to celebrate graduating seniors
UT San Antonio has added 22 additional Terry students, bringing the total to 72 registered students for 2024-2025. Since 2015, UT El Paso has selected scholars based on academic excellence, community leadership, and financial requirements.
The foundation’s influence extends beyond specific schools. Transfer students, who are usually 24 years old, mentor traditional scholars. Throughout the years, the initiative has assisted approximately 6,000 scholars and their families.
The scholarship pays for:
- Full tuition and fees
- On-campus housing and meal plans
- Required textbooks
- Additional living expenses
Most Terry Scholars graduate without any debt. The Foundation adjusts award amounts yearly based on each university’s costs. This approach lets scholars focus on their studies without worrying about money.
Texas Universities Prepare for Largest Scholar Intake
Texas universities have set up strong support systems to welcome their biggest group of Terry Scholars yet. Student housing communities known as Living Learning Communities (LLCs) are the life-blood of these plans. These spaces help students excel academically and build lasting friendships.
Housing and Support Systems Expand
New Terry Scholars are given special housing options in designated student communities. Texas State University’s scholars live at Cibolo Hall, whereas the University of Houston’s students live in Cougar Village I. Students form close bonds in these settings, and many roommates remain together after their first year.
The University of Texas at Dallas has added extra Terry Scholar housing slots for fourteen new freshman. The University of Texas at San Antonio has welcomed 72 Terry Scholars, who will begin in 2024-2025.
New Academic Programs Launch
The academic programs aim to shape future leaders through well-laid-out training. Scholars take special University Seminar courses, many at the Honors level. These programs focus on:
- Leadership growth through workshops and retreats
- Chances to learn from experienced scholars
- Regular community service and social events
- Career development activities
The University of Texas at San Antonio places Terry Scholars in their Honors College alongside 1,800 top students. This setup gives scholars access to unique hands-on learning experiences.
Community Integration Plans Revealed
Universities have detailed strategies to help scholars succeed. New scholars must attend orientation programs where they meet current students and graduates. During the year, scholars take part in:
- Monthly service and social activities
- Leadership development programs
- Community service projects
- Alumni networking events
The Terry Scholar Student Organization arranges activities like game nights, food drives, and local volunteer work. Scholars also join state-wide service events to connect with students from other schools.
Universities help scholars maintain good grades through:
- Special freshman seminar classes
- Regular study workshops
- Guidance from professors
- Help from fellow students
The Terry Foundation Board oversees these projects through a permanent foundation. Terry Scholars maintain a high rate of enrolment, according to partner universities, because to solid support networks and community involvement.
Scholar Stories Reveal Transformative Impact
Personal tales highlight how the Terry Foundation scholarship influences people’s lives. Katie Perkins, a Texas Tech University alumnus, emphasises how the program shaped her identity outside of school. Scholars discover their latent potential with targeted mentoring and community support.
First-Generation College Students Share Their Experience
The Terry scholarship gives first-generation students life-changing chances. A 30-minute interview changed Janell Guerrero’s life by granting her admission to Texas State University. She achieved remarkable milestones despite her original uncertainties about college prospects:
- Graduated magna cum laude in Healthcare Administration
- Published an honors thesis
- Completed study abroad programs
- Graduated from the honors college
Associate Scholarship Program Director Franco looks back at his path from being a first-generation student to reaching a leadership position. He earned both his B.S. in Math Education and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Policy & Supervision after discovering the Terry scholarship possibility in his high school counselor’s office.
The scholarship’s impact extends beyond financial support. Mariah Razo, a psychology major from Fort Worth, emphasises how the program allows scholars to actively participate in both academic and extracurricular activities. Hana Snell from Frisco describes the Terry community as “more than just a scholarship” – a caring family that fosters excellence.
Rural Texas Representatives Break Barriers
The Terry Foundation’s assistance helps rural students face unique hurdles. Samantha, a Texas A&M Terry Scholar, went from thinking of herself as “statistically at-risk” to becoming a confident leader. The Foundation’s network includes almost 5,000 recipients across various sectors, including 1,510 current and former Aggies who received a total of USD 70.50 million in funding.
UT- Austin’s Ximena Garcia expresses sincere gratitude for the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Scholars return to help their hometowns, causing ripple effects in rural communities. Dominique Harris of Texas Woman’s University acknowledges Howard and Nancy Terry’s dedication to education, which has altered countless lives.
Current Terry Scholars show exceptional leadership in campus communities:
- Serve as organization presidents
- Achieve Dean’s List recognition
- Lead student government initiatives
- Participate in athletics
- Take part in philanthropic activities
Terry Foundation’s alumni network shows professional achievements of all types, with graduates excelling as:
- Healthcare professionals
- Educators
- Legal practitioners
- Business leaders
- Community promoters
Kristi Meyer, assistant dean for special programs at UTSA’s Honours College, praises Terry Scholars for their outstanding commitment to the community. These students bring strong service desires and build skills that will have a long-term impact in Texas and abroad.
The scholarship program maintains strict selection criteria while taking into account each student’s unique circumstances. Successful candidates often come from homes with annual incomes of approximately USD 110,000. Each application is individually evaluated based on specific criteria such as academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.
Economic Ripples Spread Across Texas Communities
The Terry Foundation’s investments worth more than $356 million have changed countless Texas communities and helped thousands of students get higher education without worrying about money.
Local Economies Feel Positive Effects
Students with Terry Scholarships bring real value to their communities. The Foundation will give about $19.50 million to 856 Terry Scholars in the 2023-2024 academic year. This money flows right back into local economies through:
- Housing and meal plans at universities
- Books and academic supplies
- Daily expenses in college towns
- Projects that help communities
Terry Scholars strengthen local economies by getting deeply involved in community work. To cite an instance, Jose Quintana spent over 500 hours helping organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of Laredo, Habitat for Humanity, and Lamar Bruni Vergara Community Center.
Small Towns Celebrate Their Scholars
Small Texas towns see how Terry Scholarships change lives. Nixon High School in Laredo proudly celebrated two outstanding scholars in 2024 – Jose Quintana and Yeikol Chapa. These students achieved:
- Entry into top universities
- Eight-semester full scholarships
- GPAs above 106
- Key leadership positions in school groups
The Foundation picks scholars who stay connected to their roots. Successful students show:
- A genuine wish to help their community
- Proven leadership skills
- Active community service
- Top academic results
Fredericksburg’s Holly Moody first discovered Texas A&M at an engineering conference. Now she leads the Terry Foundation as president and executive director, showing how the program helps local talent succeed.
The Foundation’s network keeps growing stronger. More than 5,000 Terry Scholar graduates now serve their communities as:
- Healthcare workers
- Teachers
- Business owners
- Community leaders
- Government workers
Terry Scholars like Ximena Garcia and Dominique Harris show how these opportunities help entire communities. Current scholars stay active locally through monthly service projects and social events, which helps boost both the economy and community spirit.
Texas’s largest private scholarship provider remains dedicated to its mission. The Foundation works with select public universities to help more students. This approach brings lasting economic benefits to Texas communities, especially in rural areas where education opportunities are harder to find.
Conclusion
A significant milestone in Texas education has been reached with the awarding of an astounding $8 million in scholarships by the Terry Foundation. Pupils receive comprehensive assistance that goes well beyond financial aid. Every scholar has access to $5,000 study abroad possibilities, mentorship programs, and housing communities.The Foundation has a significant impact on communities throughout Texas. It improves local economies and transforms lives via education. Scholars Janell Guerrero, Franco, and Katie Perkins share their success stories, demonstrating how the curriculum develops future leaders.
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