Scholarship Guidelines and Listing of Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship Guidelines and Listing of Scholarship Opportunities

Please read the criteria for the following scholarships carefully. Note: The alphabetical listing is in two sections. To access the second group, please click on continuation of scholarships below the last scholarship description in section one. If you need help, contact your high school guidance counselor.

For scholarships requiring use of a general application form:

Some scholarships require a specific application form. If so, the form will be available for download immediately following the criteria for that scholarship.

If references are required, the student should follow up on the request to verify the references will mailed in time to meet the deadline. VERIFY THE DEADLINE DATE!!!

In all cases, deliver the final, completed application, by the deadline, to the appropriate recipient, whether it is the Community Foundation, the high school, or another designee.

Scholarships and criteria can be viewed by the following categories:

GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION PREPARATION
Review criteria for the scholarship prior to preparing an application.

Although the CFA General Scholarship Application - online form is available for completion on line at the http://www.cfabilene.org/, it is not meant to be submitted electronically. Print or type legibly in black ink on all application materials and submit hard copies.

REFERENCE FORMS

ESSAY

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

QUESTIONS
Please contact the Community Foundation of Abilene at 325-676-3883 or nslaton@abilene.com.


VERIFY WHERE YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION IS TO BE MAILED.

IF IT IS TO BE SENT TO:
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ABILENE
P.O. BOX 1001
ABILENE, TEXAS 79604

If it is to be sent to another designee, their name and address will appear on the criteria or application for that scholarship.

For more information about scholarships opportunities, please visit the Abilene Education Foundation website for additional scholarship opportunities, http://www.aaeeff.org/.  

Sara Abel Memorial Scholarship - Taylor County High Schools
Many friends helped establish a fund in memory of Sara, Nancy and Steve's Abel's daughter and Ashley Abel's beloved sister who was tragically killed in an auto accident in 2003. At that time, Sara was classified as a junior at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. An accomplished writer, Sara was editor-in-chief of the Abilene High School newspaper, The Battery, and majored in English Writing & Rhetoric at St. Edwards.

Abilene A&M Club Scholarship Fund - Taylor and surrounding counties 

The Abilene A&M Club, Inc. created this scholarship in 1998. Awards will be made to graduates of local high schools who are planning to attend Texas A&M University at College Station. For additional information, contact the Abilene Chapter of the Texas A&M Club at 692-6255. (See also the Wilbur H. "Blue" Denham Memorial Scholarship)

Abilene Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Scholarship Endowment Fund - Upper Level College Business Administration Student/Non-traditional
This scholarship rotates annually among the three local universities and is awarded to an upper level college student junior or senior majoring in business administration. 2010 Spring Award will be to an McMurry University student. To request consideration for this award, contact the Business Department of McMurry.

Abilene Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Auxiliary Scholarship Fund - For Employees of Abilene Regional Medical Center, Abilene, TX
Established in 2006 by the Abilene Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Auxiliary to provide funding assistance to people pursuing careers in health care, either to assist in improving their skills or degree attainment to further their profession.  This scholarship is a renewable award for an additional two years and covers tuition, fees and/or books. To be eligible, the applicant must be involved in health care and wish to improve his/her skills and degree attainment to further their profession.

This scholarship is given every two to four years. If offered in year 2010-2011, the criteria and application will appear here.

Bob Alvis Memorial Scholarship - HSU Cowboy Band Member
This fund was established in 1999 by the Wagstaff, Alvis, Stubbeman, Seamster and Longacre legal firm to honor the memory of Bob Alvis, one of their founding partners. An annual scholarship award will be made to an area student planning to attend Hardin Simmons University and a member of the Cowboy Band.

Perry Bentley Memorial Scholarship Fund - McMurry Juried Art Show Winner
Friends of Perry Bentley, a former Abilene artist, established this fund after his early death in 1986. The fund provides a significant four year scholarship for the area high school senior who is selected as the winner of the annual juried art show at McMurry University. Contact McMurry School of Arts and Letters for additional information: 325.793.4888.

Ruth and Bill Burton Memorial Scholarship - Abilene ISD Students
This fund was established in memory of Ruth and Bill Burton who sought to support and financially help young people obtain further their education. This award is granted to Abilene ISD Senior who has a desire to continue their education and would not be able to without financial support. The students must have maintained a minimum 85 gpa average for their junior and senior years in high school.

Herman Ray "Buz" Buzbee, Jr. Memorial Music Scholarship Fund - Cooper High School Seniors Only
This scholarship, honoring the member of the first graduating class from Abilene Cooper High School who composed the school's fight song, is awarded annually to a graduating senior from Cooper who has excelled in musical performance. Contact Cooper High Counselor for more information.

CFA Public Health Scholarship for Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing - Upper Level Nursing Student
This fund awards an annual scholarship to an upper level nursing student at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) who is interested in a public health or school nursing career. Recipient is selected by the PHSSN Scholarship Selection Committee. Scholarship award is $500.
Contact the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (phone 325.672.2441 or email bwallace@hsutx.edu) to check eligibility.

CFA Scholarship for Post Graduate Math or Science Teacher Masters Program - College Graduates
This scholarship is available to college graduates who desire to obtain a masters degree to teach science or math in a high school or local college/university level. Please read the criteria carefully regarding employees obligation clauses.

The Roy Churchill Memorial Fund - Abilene High School Seniors Only
This fund honors Roy Churchill's life as a husband, father, friend and athlete. Well known for his achievements as an Abilene High and ACU baseball player in the 1970's, Mr. Churchill's scholarship is awarded annually to an Abilene High graduating senior who participated in varsity athletics and demonstrates high Christian morals, leadership, academic achievement and a belief in hard work. Contact AHS counselor or athletic director/coach to request consideration for this scholarship.

Clack Educational Fund - Available to 2010 Cooper, Wylie, and Merkel School Seniors only
This fund was established in 1982 and transferred to the Community Foundation in 1987. It honors the Misses Tommie and Bobbie Clack for their Abilene teaching careers that spanned three generations. Clack scholarships are awarded annually on a rotating basis to Big Country high school outstanding seniors based on exemplary record of academic excellence and leadership, and financial need. Application forms may be obtained from your school counselor or downloaded below. Due April 1, 2010
 

Horace M. Condley Scholarship Fund - Upper Level Junior/Senior Business/ Accounting  College Students at McMurry
This fund was established to honor one of the founding partners of Condley and Company, L.L.P.  Horace Condley's lifetime commitment to learning is commemorated in this scholarship awarded annually to upper level accounting majors at McMurry University. Contact the School of Business at McMurry to request consideration for this award.

Davis, Kinard / Kate Nutter Memorial Scholarship - Upper Junior/Senior Business Accounting Level College Students
Established in 2001 to honor the memory of Kate Nutter, a partner at Davis Kinard & Co. P.C, this two-year scholarship rotates among the three local universities and is awarded annually to upper level students (junior/senior year) majoring in business administration/accounting. Contact the Dean of the College of Business of the local university you attend to request consideration for this award. (The 2010 Award will be to a Hardin-Simmons University student.)

Marie Denham Memorial Scholarship - Abilene High School Seniors only
This fund was established by Mrs. Denham's family in honor of her lengthy and valued career in the Abilene Independent School District. An award is made annually to a graduating Abilene High Eagle from an economically disadvantaged background who demonstrates promising academic achievement. Applications may be obtained from the AHS counselor or downloaded below. Due April 1, 2010.

Wilbur H. "Blue" Denham Memorial Scholarship - Abilene or Cooper High School Seniors only
Established by Mr. Denham's family, this fund honors "Blue" Denham, a long-time Abilene resident, a chartered Life Insurance Underwriter from 1947 until 2000, and a 1940 graduate of Texas A&M. He was an active supporter of the West Texas Fair and Taylor County Expo Center. The Abilene Texas A&M Club Scholarship Committee recommends the recipient of this annual award to attend Texas A&M University. For additional information, contact the Abilene A&M Club (692-6255). Due April 15, 2010.

 

Kemper Scott Hamilton Memorial Scholarship - Abilene High School Seniors only
Scott Hamilton, an Abilene High graduate, lettered in two sports and was named to the All-State football team during his senior year. After his premature death in 1996, his friends established this fund to honor his memory. An annual scholarship is awarded to an Abilene High School student athlete who has exhibited leadership and initiative both on the playing field and in the classroom. Contact the AHS Counselor or Athletic Director for more information on this scholarship.

Jay Hatcher Memorial Scholarship Fund - Abilene, Cooper, Wylie, Jim Ned, Merkel and Trent High School Seniors
This scholarship was established by the Alumni Association of the Abilene Citizens Police Academy to honor the memory of Abilene police detective Jay Hatcher who was a victim of a pipeline explosion in Potosi in September 2000. Children of Abilene police officers are eligible for the Hatcher scholarship.

This award is not available for the 2010-2011 school year.

Jean and Curly Hays Scholarship Fund - Upper Level College Students or returning student
This renewable award is given to an Abilene area student who is currently enrolled in college or a returning student who encountered financial difficulties that forced him/her to postpone completion of their education. 

This scholarship is awarded every two years and is not available for 2010-2011 academis year.

Hispanic Leadership Council Scholarship Awards - Latino Students only 

This fund was established in 2000 to award scholarships to outstanding Latino students in the Big Country area. Annual awards can be used at universities, junior colleges, or accredited vocational schools. Selections are made by the Council. Contact Hispanic Leadership Council at (325)660-5819, P.O. Box 2255, Abilene TX 79604, hlc_info2255@yahoo.com.

Lady Clyde Hooper Memorial Scholarship Fund - Sweetwater High Seniors Only
This fund was established through the Nolan County Foundation in the Community Foundation of Abilene. It is in memory of Lady Clyde Hooper, a beloved teacher, and honors her service to the students of Sweetwater. The scholarship will be awarded to a Sweetwater High School graduate.
This fund is in a growth phase and no awards are available at this time.

The R.C. and Elizabeth Hoppe Memorial Scholarship Fund - Non Traditional Students
This fund was established by Martha Magee in 1997 in honor of her grandparents, R.C. and Elizabeth Hoppe, who were integral members of the early Abilene community. Mr. Hoppe was a city engineer involved in planning the Fort Phantom Lake project. Mrs. Hoppe was a Stamford school teacher. This non-traditional scholarship is awarded every two or three years to a student returning to college to earn a bachelors degree in education.

This scholarship is given every two to four years. If offered in year 2010-2011, the criteria and application will appear here.

James P. Hopper Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund - Coleman High School Seniors Only
Established in 1988 by friends and relatives, this fund honors the memory of James Pernell Hopper. Scholarship recipients are graduates of Panther Creek only.

Application due date is April 9, 2010

Independent Insurance Agents of Abilene Scholarship Fund - Award Rotates between AHS, CHS & WYLIE This fund was created in 1998 by the Independent Insurance Agents to honor a graduating senior from Abilene High, Cooper or Wylie who has exhibited interest and aptitude in the American free enterprise system. The award will be made to an Abilene High graduate for 2010-2011 academic year. Please contact your counselor to see if you qualify and if so, request to be considered.   

Ross Jones Memorial Scholarship - Cooper High School Seniors only
Ross Jones was an exuberant high school student, who died tragically in an accident in 2001. His family established this scholarship to provide needed financial aid to a Cooper Cougar senior who demonstrates great drive and heart during participation in football and/or soccer. Due April 1, 2010

Margaret Wheeler Kennedy Scholarship - High School graduates attending local designated Catholic Churches

The Margaret Wheeler Kennedy Scholarship was established by her children, R. Michael Wheeler, Gay Wheeler Gilroy, Susan Wheeler Johnson, and J. Greg Wheeler, to honor their mother and her commitment to children, Church and Education. This scholarship is available to a graduating senior who is in the top 25% of his/her graduating class and who attends one of these churches: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Francis Catholic Church or St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. The applicant must also have been regular attendees in the Church's religious education studies. If no applications are submitted from students attending the above listed churches, an applicant who attends the Holy Family Catholic Church may be considered for this award.

 

Julius M. Kubena Scholarship - Abilene High or Cooper High School Seniors Only
This scholarship honors the memory of Julius M. Kubena, a long-tome, Abilene resident who was employed with West Texas Utilities for over 37 years.  Applicants must be a graduating senior from Abilene High or Cooper High Schools and be in the top 25% of their class and be accepted by or enrolled in Abilene Christian University for at least 12 hours or be considered a full time student by ACU.

Tom Kutch Memorial Scholarship - Rule High School Seniors only
This scholarship honors Allen Thomas Kutch, a long time teacher and administrator in the Rule School District. It is awarded annually to an outstanding graduate of Rule High School.

LULAC Council 605 Endowed Scholarships - Traditional and Non-traditional Hispanic Students
This fund was established by the League of United Latin American Citizens to provide flexible financial aid to both traditional and non-traditional Hispanic students in the Abilene area. Contact LULAC at P. O. Box 2106, Abilene, Texas 79604 for more information on this scholarship.

Sheriff John Middleton Memorial Scholarship Fund - Big Country Area High School Seniors
Friends of the late Sheriff John Middleton established this Fund to honor the Sheriff, who passed away on September 21, 1991. Law enforcement personnel, their spouses, and their children are eligible for this scholarship. For additional information on this award, contact Nedra Middleton, 134 New York Hill, Merkel, TX 79536 (325 928-5549).

Mary and George Minter Memorial Scholarship - Award unavailable at this time
Mary and George Minter were Abilene leaders proud of their city's unique personality. This scholarship was established in 1999 by their daughters, Martha Ferguson and Sally Minter Duncan. It is awarded each year to the salutatorian at Cooper or Abilene High Schools.
 Fund is in a growth phase - no award available at this time.

Click here to view continuation of scholarship opportunities