Supporting Students at Every Stage
The Laredo Area Community Foundation is honored to manage a diverse portfolio of scholarship funds established by generous donors who believe in the power of education.
Through the vision and philanthropy of our fundholders, we are able to support students at every stage of their educational journey — from grade school enrichment opportunities to graduating high school seniors, traditional college students, and non-traditional students returning to complete their education.
Each scholarship reflects the unique values, priorities, and legacy of the donor who created it. We are proud to steward these funds and connect them with deserving students in our community.
2026 High School Graduate Scholarship Cycle Now Open
The Laredo Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that the 2026 Scholarship Application for graduating high school seniors is now open.
Application Opens: March 1, 2026
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
Graduating seniors are encouraged to review the scholarship chat below and apply to any for which they qualify.
Please note:
- Each scholarship requires a separate application
- Students must complete an application for each scholarship they wish to be considered for.
- Applications are submitted online through our scholarship portal.
- Some scholarships may require additional documentation (FAFSA, transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).
Apply Now
High School Graduate Scholarship Eligibility Guide
To help high school seniors quickly identify which scholarships they may qualify for, please view the simple eligibility guide below.
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High School
College/University
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Any High School |
Bruni High School |
Cotulla High School |
LBJ High School |
Martin High School |
Zapata High School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any College or University |
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| Laredo College |
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| Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) |
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| Texas Women's University |
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| UT-Austin |
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After reviewing the guide, click on the scholarship name below to read the full eligibility requirements and application details.
LACF Scholarship Opportunities
Annabelle Uribe Hall and William N. (Billy) Hall, Jr. Scholarship
The Annabelle Uribe Hall and William N. (Billy) Hall, Jr. Scholarship Endowment fund was established by Annabelle Uribe Hall in September 2019. This scholarship is offered to Martin High School seniors who will be attending the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M International University, or Laredo College.
Eligibility
• Be a graduating senior from Martin High School
• Plan to attend one of the following institutions:
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M International University
- Laredo College
• Meet the federal guidelines for a financially disadvantaged student as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Have a minimum overall GPA of 80 on a 100-point scale
Award Information
• Award Amount: $1,000
• Renewability: One-time award (non-renewable)
Hannah Mendelsohn Memorial Scholarship
The Hannah Mendelsohn Scholarship honors Hannah Mendelsohn and the generosity of her husband, Ernest H. Mendelsohn. A Chicago native with only a high school education, Ernest built a successful wholesale electronics business. In the early 1970s, he and Hannah retired to Zapata, where they fell in love with South Texas and its people. After Hannah’s passing, Ernest established this scholarship in her memory, creating a lasting tribute to her life and their shared appreciation for the community.
Eligibility
• Open to graduating seniors of Zapata ISD
• Two scholarships are awarded: one to a student demonstrating exceptional proficiency in math and one to a student demonstrating exceptional proficiency in English
Award Information
• Total scholarship award of up to $16,000, distributed in $2,000 increments each semester
Renewability Requirements
• Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 each semester
• Maintain full-time enrollment status
Howard E. Ruhlman Scholarship
The Howard E. Ruhlman Scholarship was established in July 2025 by Michelle Ruhlman Mullaney in memory of her father, Howard E. Ruhlman. A proud Laredoan, U.S. Air Force veteran, and University of Texas at Austin graduate, Howard built a successful career in the oil and gas industry and was known for his business acumen, commitment to community service, and devotion to family and friends. This scholarship supports high school seniors pursuing their education at the University of Texas at Austin.
Eligibility
• Open to high school seniors planning to attend University of Texas at Austin in the fall semester
• Household income must be at or above 200% of the federal poverty guideline for the year of enrollment
• Submit a 1-minute video answering the prompt: “What brings you joy?”
Award Information
• Award Amount: $1,000
• Renewability: One-time award (non-renewable)
Junior Achievement Scholars Scholarship
The Junior Achievement Scholars Endowment was established by William B. Green to honor and reward an outstanding volunteer from the Junior Achievement of Laredo organization. This scholarship supports students in pursuing higher education at any university of their choice and is renewable for up to four years.
Eligibility
• Open to students who are volunteers with Junior Achievement of Laredo
Award Information
• Renewable for up to 4 years, with a minimum award of $1,000 per year
Renewability Requirements
• Student must maintain full-time enrollment status
• Student must maintain a passing overall GPA as defined by their university or college
Lance Corporal David Lee Espinosa Scholarship
Established in 2021, the Lance Corporal David Lee Espinosa Scholarship honors a young man whose life was defined by quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and a profound sense of duty.
Born in Laredo and raised in Rio Bravo, Texas, David graduated from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 2019 and soon fulfilled his lifelong dream of serving his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. In August 2021, at just 20 years old, Lance Corporal Espinosa was killed in action during the U.S. military’s evacuation efforts in Afghanistan, giving his life while protecting others.
This scholarship reflects David’s humility, courage, and selfless spirit by supporting students who demonstrate the same commitment to purpose, service, and community.
Eligibility
• Open to graduating seniors of Lyndon B. Johnson High School
• Must meet federal guidelines for financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Award Information
• Award Amount: $1,200
Renewability
• This is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship
Mary Roese Martin Memorial Scholarship
The Mary Roese Martin Scholarship was established to honor Mary Roese Martin, a proud alumna of Texas Woman’s University. Originally from Washington County, Texas, Mary graduated in 1942 and later moved to South Texas to teach high school English in Cotulla, where she met her husband, J.W. Martin. Passionate about education and her alma mater, Mary created this scholarship to support students from Dimmit, Duval, La Salle, McMullen, and Webb in pursuing higher education at Texas Woman’s University.
Eligibility
• Open to high school seniors from La Salle, Webb, Dimmit, Duval, and McMullen
• Must have a minimum GPA of 85 on a 100 point scale
• Must be attending Texas Woman’s University in Fall 2026
Award Information
• Award Amount: $1,500
Renewability
• This is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship
Stanley A. Keilson Memorial Scholarship
The Stanley A. Keilson Scholarship honors the legacy of Stanley A. Keilson—educator, theater director, and mentor who dedicated 40 years of service to Laredo College. Joining the faculty in 1952, he served as Theater Director and Chairman of the Department of Speech and Drama, inspiring generations of students through his passion for education and the arts.
Established through the Laredo Area Community Foundation, this memorial endowment supports Laredo College students pursuing studies in education and the arts, continuing Professor Keilson’s lasting impact on the community.
Eligibility
• For High School Seniors
- Must be a graduating high school senior
- Must meet federal guidelines for financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Must have an acceptance letter from Laredo College and declare a major in Education or the Arts
- Minimum overall GPA of 80 on a 100-point scale
• For Current Laredo College Students
- Must be enrolled at Laredo College
- Must have a declared major in Education or the Arts
- Must meet federal guidelines for financial need as determined by FAFSA
- Must be in good academic standing
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Award Information
• Award Amount: $690
Renewability
• One-time award (non-renewable)
STEAM Scholars Scholarship Application
The STEAM Scholars Endowment was established by William B. Green to recognize and reward an outstanding volunteer or employee of the Imaginarium of South Texas who is pursuing higher education in a STEAM discipline.
This scholarship supports students dedicated to advancing their education in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics, while honoring their commitment to service and innovation within the Imaginarium community.
Eligibility
• Must be a volunteer or employee of Imaginarium of South Texas
• Must be pursuing a major in a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, or Mathematics) discipline
Award Information
• Award Amount: Minimum award of $1,000 per year.
• Renewable for up to four (4) years.
Renewability Requirements
• Must maintain full-time enrollment status
• Must maintain a passing overall GPA as defined by their college or university
• Must continue majoring in a STEAM discipline
Stewart Kimball Martin Memorial Scholarship
The Stewart K. Martin Scholarship was established by his daughter, Melissa Peters, to support graduates of Cotulla High School pursuing a college education. Stewart Martin, longtime owner of the iconic Ben’s Western Wear, was deeply committed to the growth and development of Cotulla and its community.
This scholarship honors his legacy by recognizing students who demonstrate a commitment to giving back and actively serving the needs of the community he loved. Recipients are selected by the LACF Scholarship Committee.
Eligibility
• Open to graduating seniors of Cotulla High School
• Minimum overall GPA of 80 on a 100-point scale
• Strong consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate meaningful community service involvement
Award Information
• Award Amount: $3,500
Renewability
• This is a one-time, non-renewable scholarship
Green Legacy Scholars
The Green Legacy Scholars Scholarship was created to support non-traditional students who are balancing work, family responsibilities, or caregiving while pursuing a college degree. Recognizing the determination and resilience it takes to return to or continue higher education under these circumstances, this scholarship invests in individuals committed to improving their lives and strengthening their communities through education.
• The student must reside in Webb County or one of its contiguous counties in Texas and be attending Texas A&M International University, Laredo College or the University of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo with the intention of obtaining an undergraduate degree or trade certification.
• Scholarship award will provide for tuition, books and fees and, where applicable, costs associated with trade certification programs.
• The student must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or be the primary caregiver of children of immediate family. Proof of work/caregiving must be provided.
• The scholarship is renewable until the student completes an undergraduate degree not to exceed 150 college credits or no more than12 semesters. Wintermester, Maymester and summer school are included in the funding and excluded from the 12 semester maximum.
• The student must be continuously enrolled and provide proof of enrollment to LACF each semester by the required deadline to be determined by LACF administration.
• The recipient must maintain a continuing conversation with LACF regarding scholastic status update and personal impact statement. Annual report must be submitted by July 15 for renewal.
Franklin-Avigael Scholarship
The Franklin-Avigael Scholarship provides financial support for students attending United Day School. Designed to assist families with demonstrated financial need, this scholarship helps ensure access to quality education and supports student success within the United Day School community.
Eligibility Requirements
• Must be enrolled or seeking enrollment at United Day School
• Priority given to students from economically disadvantaged families
• Two scholarships are awarded annually
Application Process
• Application must be submitted directly through United Day School
• Scholarship applications for economically disadvantaged families are available through the UDS counselor
Ollie Lowry Memorial Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School Scholarship
The Ollie Lowry Memorial Scholarship supports students attending Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School. Established to maintain a meaningful connection to Laredo, Texas, this scholarship assists families with tuition costs while honoring familial ties to the Laredo community.
Eligibility Requirements
• Must be enrolled at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in New Braunfels, Texas
• Must have a parent who was born and raised in Laredo, Texas
• Must have a parent, grandparent, or close familial relative currently residing in Laredo, Texas
Award Information
• Funds are distributed directly toward tuition costs
• Award amount determined by fund availability