Determined Scholars

Determined Scholars have tremendous potential to create change in the world and can serve as important and needed role models for families, friends, and communities.

Scholars will receive:
-- ACT/SAT preparation courses
-- Monthly sessions focused on college application preparation, academic and college success, financial literacy, and health and well-being
-- Personalized mentorship from senior year of high school through college graduation
-- Financial assistance up to $24,000 over the course of undergraduate studies to support academic success (e.g.,tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses)

Criteria for Application

You are ELIGIBLE if you are:

• Currently a junior enrolled in an accredited Tarrant County public school, including public charter and magnet schools with a minimum GPA of 3.5

• Planning to enroll full-time in a degree granting program at a four-year higher education institution following high school graduation

• Challenged financially to attend college and can document your financial need

Dream Big Determined Scholars are:

• Purposeful: Scholars are passionate about helping others and creating social good. Their values guide their decisions and behaviors.

• Highly Motivated: Scholars are internally driven. They find creative ways to build upon their strengths, overcome weaknesses and achieve their goals, despite the challenges they've faced in life.

• A Problem Solver: Determined Scholars tackle problems in strategic and creative ways and willingly seek help from others to achieve important goals. Challenges don’t defeat or define Scholars; rather they stimulate and spur them on.

• Committed to Learning: Scholars have an undying thirst for knowledge. They are committed to their studies and demonstrate their commitment through good school attendance and behavior.

• Someone who Dreams Big: Scholars see opportunities where others see limitations. They dream big!

How to Apply

Please APPLY, if you think you might be a Dream Big Fort Worth Determined Scholar:

• Complete and submit your application online on or before February 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST. Please note that this part of the application process includes one recommendation letter, be sure that your recommender submits their form before the deadline as well.

• Finalists – If you are selected as a finalist, you will be invited to an in-person interview. Interviews will be held on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025. Finalists are required to attend in order to be considered.

• Recipients – All Finalists will be contacted via phone call, and recipients will be highlighted on the website and in other media.‍