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BECOME A
SCHOLAR

WHY
JOIN OUR
SCHOLARS
PROGRAM?
 

  • Weekly one-on-one coaching and mentorship

  • Personalized college admissions, FAFSA, and scholarship support

  • Invitations to virtual college prep workshops and webinars

  • Access to exclusive college planning tools and downloadable guides

  • Opportunities to apply for Highest Degree resources (e.g., Trunks for College, Technology for College, Travel to College, and Meals for College)

  • Networking with a national community of fellow first-gen students

  • Monthly scholarship alerts, and success stories

  • Priority consideration for fellowships, internships, and leadership opportunities

By becoming an HD Scholar, students gain a trusted guide, valuable resources, and continued support on the path to earning their highest degree.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Be a current high school junior

  • Attend high school in the Houston, Texas metro area

  • Be a first- or second-generation college student

  • from a low-income to middle income background

  • Attend all scheduled virtual meetings

  • Demonstrate self-motivation and a strong desire to pursue postsecondary education

  • Maintain consistent engagement in the program

  • Submit a completed application, including:

short essay responses, letter of recommendation, current resume, unofficial high school transcript, test scores

APPLY: 

The Highest Degree Scholar Program offers one-on-one, personalized guidance through every stage of the college journey—from junior year of high school through college graduation and beyond.

Application opens Mid-March to students attending school in Houston and the surrounding areas

PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION

Needed Information Here

Important Dates

Application Opens

March 1, 2026

Application Closes

April 1, 2026

Scholars Announced

April 15, 2026

BECOME A SCHOLAR

Application Opens:

March 1, 2026

For HS graduating class of 2026:

ELIGIBILITY

  • Be a current high school junior

  • Attend high school in the Houston, Texas metro area

  • Be a first- or second-generation college student

  • from a low-income to middle income background

  • Intend to attend an accredited college or university with in the United States

  • Submit a completed application, including:

short essay responses, letter of recommendation, current resume, unofficial high school transcript, test scores

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SCHOLAR
EXPECTATIONS

  • Fully completed application

  • ​Activity Sheet or Resume

  • Keep Us updated on acceptance , scholarship awards and academic progress or changes

  • Demonstrate self-motivation and a strong desire to pursue postsecondary education

  • Support HD Initiatives

  • Participate in volunteer and service activities sponsored by HD

  • Maintain consistent engagement in the program

APPLICATION
COMPONENTS

  • Have a parent or supporter who will actively support and participate in weekly sessions.

  • Attend all scheduled virtual meetings

  • Recommendation Letter

  • ACT/SAT Score Sheet

  • HS Transcript (official or unofficial)

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MEET
OUR
SCHOLARS

Cohorts List by HS Graduation Year

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