In recognition of high school seniors who have exemplified great character and resilience, the Houston Independent School District is launching the HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Award – a scholarship of $5,000 or $2,000 awarded to one senior from every HISD high school.

This scholarship is designed for students who face hardships or challenges that may make higher education or career/vocational training difficult or even impossible to attain without assistance. The goal of the award – HISD’s first districtwide scholarship initiative for all high school students – is to remove as many obstacles as possible so that students can pursue higher education opportunities.

“Most of our graduating seniors  who will head off to college in the fall will be the first in their families to do so,” Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan said. “These scholarships not only lessen the financial burden for those students and their families, but also recognize students who have  faced and overcome great obstacles in their journey to college. Moving forward, and with the support of the community, we hope to expand the scholarship program to provide our students with even more opportunities.”

Generously underwritten by the Coca-Cola Company, the HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholar Award is a nomination-based accolade. Rather than focusing solely on academic records, school administrators will select an award recipient based primarily on the qualities they have demonstrated and obstacles they have overcome that make them likely to succeed if given the chance.

One senior per high school may be nominated by their school’s principal or leadership team. Additionally, two students from the nominee pool will also be selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship based on their school’s statement of support declaring their nomination.

Students selected as the 2018 HISD Superintendent and Board of Education Scholars will be surprised in person during the last two weeks of school.