Become an Open Doors Texas Scholar!
Scholarships from $500-$1,000 for students attending Texas public institutions of higher education
Supporting motivated students with financial need to reach their academic and career goals
About this scholarship:
The Open Doors Texas Scholars Scholarship recognizes motivated, high-achieving students with financial need who combine academic excellence with a genuine commitment to service. Open to students in any major or field of study, this scholarship celebrates those who pursue their chosen discipline with passion and purpose, while also dedicating their time and talents to giving back to their communities.
We believe that the most promising scholars are not only those who excel in the classroom, but also those who recognize the responsibility that comes with opportunity. Recipients of the Open Doors Texas Scholars Scholarship demonstrate intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and ambition in their academic pursuits — and channel that same energy into serving the people and places around them.
Whether through volunteer work, mentorship, civic engagement, or leadership in causes that matter to them, our scholars open doors for others as they walk through their own. This scholarship supports their journey and affirms a simple belief: that ambition and generosity, when joined together, can shape stronger communities and brighter futures across Texas.
Eligibility:
Be a high school graduate (or have earned a GED); currently enrolled high school students are not eligible.
Have completed a minimum of 30 college credit hours and hold sophomore-level standing or above.
Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a public university or community college in the state of Texas working towards an associate degree, workforce degree (credit-based) or first bachelor's degree
Have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average
Must have financial need
All majors and fields of study are welcome to apply.
Applications now open for Fall 2026
Deadline for submission: June 1, 2026, 11:59 PM
FAQs
What should I include on my resume or CV?
How do I apply?
When is deadline?
Is there a fee to apply?
Submit your application form online through our Apply Now portal
Applications are scored holistically, and while we prioritize financial need, we want to know about what you are doing outside the classroom that demonstrates a passion for your chosen major and a commitment to community involvement (demonstrated by things like volunteerism or leadership activities, among others).
How do you determine financial need?
How will I know if I'm awarded a scholarship?
When you apply, you will need to upload:
your latest unofficial transcript
one letter of recommendation
resume or curriculum vitae
FASFA/TASFA if completed
There is no fee. It is free for students to apply
ODEI's mission is to reduce barriers to higher education for motivated students. While applications are competitively scored in a holistic rubric, financial need is a major barrier we seek to reduce for awardees. The application will ask you about your financial circumstances, and if awarded you may be asked to verify the information you provide. However, we understand financial need might not be completely reflected your household income or student aid report. We encourage applicants to tell us about any circumstances that might impact their financial need in the application.
Award emails will be sent 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. Only students awarded will be notified, but applicants can reach out to ODEI at info@opendoorsei.org with any questions about their application. Students awarded a scholarship may be required to submit additional information or documents before final awards are made in order to verify information submitted, including final transcripts where grades for in-progress courses are needed to verify eligibility. Failure to adhere to requests or deadlines in award emails will result in awardee forfeiting the scholarship. Scholarship funds awarded will be paid directly to the recipient's institution of higher education and applied toward qualified educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, required course materials, and living expenses. Scholarship recipients are solely responsible for any federal, state, or local tax obligations that may arise from receipt of this award. The Open Doors Texas Scholars Scholarship does not provide tax advice; applicants are encouraged to consult a qualified tax professional with any questions.
What documents do I need?
Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2026
