Dream Big Fort Worth 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, 2026 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, April 25, 2026. 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.