Many juniors in high school in Texas dream of going to college but worry about the cost. The good news is that there are many scholarships available even before you graduate. These scholarships can help you reduce the cost of tuition, buy books, and prepare for your future education without heavy student loans.
In this detailed guide, you will learn about the top scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas in 2025. We will cover the scholarship names, eligibility requirements, award amounts, application process, and tips for winning them. This article is designed to be your complete resource so you can start applying early and increase your chances of success.
Why Scholarships for High School Juniors in Texas Are Important
Many students think scholarships are only for seniors in high school or college students. However, juniors can start applying for many opportunities to get ahead. Applying early has many benefits:
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More time to prepare — You can focus on improving your grades, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities before the final year of high school.
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Less competition — Many students wait until senior year, so applying in junior year gives you a better chance of winning.
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Extra financial support — Some scholarships can be renewed each year, so applying early means more years of funding.
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Confidence boost — Winning a scholarship before senior year can motivate you to work even harder academically.
Scholarships in Texas for juniors can come from many sources — local organizations, state programs, universities, private foundations, and even national competitions.
How to Apply for Scholarships for High School Juniors in Texas
Before we look at the list of top scholarships, it’s important to understand the application process. Winning a scholarship takes planning, research, and effort.
Step 1: Research Early
Start looking for scholarships at least 6–12 months before the deadlines. Use school counselors, scholarship websites, and local community organizations as sources.
Step 2: Understand Eligibility
Read the requirements carefully. Some scholarships may be based on grades, while others focus on leadership, community service, or specific career interests.
Step 3: Gather Documents
Most scholarships require:
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Transcripts
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Letters of recommendation
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Personal statement or essay
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Proof of Texas residency (sometimes required)
Step 4: Write a Strong Essay
Your personal statement should tell your story — your achievements, challenges, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
Step 5: Apply to Multiple Scholarships
Do not apply for just one scholarship. Increase your chances by applying to as many as you qualify for.
Step 6: Stay Organized
Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines, requirements, and submission status.
Top Scholarships for Juniors in High School in Texas (2025)
Below is a detailed list of scholarships that Texas juniors can apply for. We’ve included award details, eligibility, and tips for each one.
1. Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)
The TASSP encourages students to participate in ROTC programs in college and serve in the military.
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Eligibility: Texas resident, nominated by a state legislator, high academic performance, leadership qualities.
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Award Amount: Up to $10,000 per year.
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Application Tips: Start by contacting your Texas House or Senate representative for nomination. Keep your grades and fitness level high.
2. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship
One of the largest scholarship providers in Texas, offering awards to students across the state.
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Eligibility: Texas resident, active in FFA or 4-H, leadership experience, good academic record.
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Award Amount: $20,000 over four years.
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Application Tips: Participate in agricultural or leadership programs early and document your achievements.
3. Texas Elks State Association Scholarships
These scholarships reward students for academic excellence and community service.
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Eligibility: Texas high school junior or senior, strong academics, active in community service.
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Award Amount: Varies ($1,000–$5,000).
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Application Tips: Show your volunteer work and leadership roles in your application.
4. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Texas Scholarships
The DAR offers several scholarships for students interested in history, government, and related fields.
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Eligibility: U.S. citizen, Texas resident, academic excellence, community involvement.
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Award Amount: $1,000–$5,000.
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Application Tips: Highlight your interest in history and civic engagement.
5. The Terry Foundation Scholarship (High School Juniors Program)
Although primarily for seniors, juniors can start preparing for nomination.
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Eligibility: Texas resident, strong academics, leadership, and financial need.
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Award Amount: Full tuition and living expenses at partner universities.
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Application Tips: Keep your GPA high and engage in leadership activities to prepare for nomination in senior year.
6. National Merit Scholarship Program
Texas juniors can enter by taking the PSAT/NMSQT in their junior year.
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Eligibility: High PSAT score, U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
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Award Amount: $2,500–$10,000.
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Application Tips: Prepare well for the PSAT; use study guides and practice tests.
7. Texas PTA Scholarship Program
Supports students active in their school’s PTA and community.
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Eligibility: Texas high school student, PTA membership, community service.
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Award Amount: $500–$1,000.
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Application Tips: Get involved in PTA projects early.
8. H-E-B Excellence in Education Scholarship
Awarded to students with exceptional leadership and community service.
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Eligibility: Texas resident, leadership in school/community, strong academics.
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Award Amount: $2,000–$5,000.
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Application Tips: Highlight your leadership achievements in detail.
9. San Antonio Area Foundation Scholarships
Offers multiple scholarships for students in the San Antonio region.
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Eligibility: Resident of Bexar County or surrounding counties, academic achievement, community involvement.
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Award Amount: $500–$5,000.
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Application Tips: Apply to multiple scholarships in their list to increase your chances.
10. Coca-Cola Scholars Program
A national program open to Texas juniors who excel in leadership and academics.
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Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, strong academics, leadership, community service.
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Award Amount: $20,000.
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Application Tips: Show consistent leadership and volunteer work over several years.
Summary Table: Scholarships for High School Juniors in Texas (2025)
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Award Amount | Application Tip |
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| Texas Armed Services Scholarship | Texas resident, nominated, high academics | Up to $10,000/year | Contact state legislator early |
| Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo | FFA/4-H, leadership, Texas resident | $20,000 over 4 years | Join FFA/4-H and keep records |
| Texas Elks State Scholarship | Academics, community service | $1,000–$5,000 | Highlight volunteer work |
| DAR Texas Scholarships | Interest in history/government | $1,000–$5,000 | Show civic engagement |
| Terry Foundation Scholarship | High GPA, leadership, need | Full tuition + living expenses | Prepare for senior nomination |
| National Merit Program | High PSAT score | $2,500–$10,000 | Study hard for PSAT |
| Texas PTA Scholarship | PTA membership, service | $500–$1,000 | Join PTA projects early |
| H-E-B Excellence Award | Leadership, academics | $2,000–$5,000 | Showcase leadership roles |
| San Antonio Area Foundation | Local residency, academics | $500–$5,000 | Apply to multiple funds |
| Coca-Cola Scholars | Leadership, academics | $20,000 | Demonstrate long-term service |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can juniors in Texas apply for scholarships before senior year?
Yes, many scholarships are open to juniors, and applying early gives you a head start.
2. Do you need to be a Texas resident to apply?
Most Texas scholarships require Texas residency, but some national scholarships accept Texas students without residency rules.
3. Can I win more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for and win multiple scholarships to cover different costs.
4. What GPA do I need?
Many require at least a 3.0 GPA, but competitive awards may require higher GPAs.
5. Are there scholarships for specific interests?
Yes, many scholarships focus on agriculture, STEM, arts, leadership, or community service.
6. Do I have to pay to apply?
No, legitimate scholarships never ask for an application fee.
7. When should I start applying?
Start as early as possible in your junior year to avoid missing deadlines.
8. Can homeschool juniors apply?
Yes, many scholarships are open to homeschool students who meet eligibility requirements.
9. Do scholarships cover living expenses?
Some large awards, like the Terry Foundation, cover living expenses in addition to tuition.
10. How can I stand out in applications?
Strong essays, leadership roles, and consistent community service make you a stronger candidate.
Conclusion
Scholarships for juniors in high school in Texas are a powerful way to prepare for your future without worrying about college debt. By starting early, maintaining strong grades, and actively participating in your community, you can secure valuable funding for your education.
The scholarships listed here are some of the best opportunities in Texas for juniors in 2025. Begin researching, organizing your documents, and applying now — your future self will thank you.