Purpose: To expand access to education, support workforce development, and increase opportunities for individuals to contribute to the long-term well-being of Central Texas.

Public Benefit:

• Expand access to education and skills development
• Strengthen workforce readiness
• Increase economic opportunity
• Improve long-term community outcomes

1. Purpose

The Central Texas Growth Foundation (CTXGF) establishes this Scholarship & Educational Support Policy to advance its charitable and educational mission by expanding access to education, supporting workforce development, and increasing opportunities for individuals to contribute to the long-term well-being of Central Texas.

All scholarships are awarded exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and are intended to benefit the public.

2. Program Objectives

• Increase access to higher education and technical training
• Support individuals with demonstrated financial need and/or merit
• Promote workforce development aligned with community needs
• Expand opportunities for underserved or underrepresented populations
• Strengthen long-term community and economic well-being

3. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following general criteria:

• Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited educational institution, technical program, or workforce training program
• Demonstrate academic merit, financial need, or community involvement
• Intend to use the education or training to contribute to community development or workforce participation
• Comply with all application and documentation requirements

Additional eligibility requirements may be defined for specific scholarship programs.

4. Selection Criteria

Scholarships will be awarded based on objective and nondiscriminatory criteria, which may include:

• Academic achievement or potential
• Financial need
• Demonstrated leadership or community involvement
• Alignment with program goals such as workforce development and public benefit fields
• Personal statement and future goals

Each criterion will be weighted using a standardized evaluation rubric.

5. Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance
• Academic transcripts if applicable
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation, optional or required depending on program

All applications will be reviewed within a defined application period.

6. Selection Process

• Scholarships will be awarded by a Scholarship Selection Committee appointed by CTXGF
• The committee will operate independently and objectively
• Decisions will be based solely on the established criteria
• No applicant will receive preferential treatment based on personal or business relationships
• All decisions will be documented and retained for compliance purposes

7. Scholarship Selection Committee

The Committee will:

• Consist of at least 3 qualified individuals
• Include members with relevant educational, professional, or community experience
• Operate under conflict-of-interest and ethics policies

Committee members must not:

• Be related to applicants
• Receive any personal or financial benefit from award decisions

8. Conflict of Interest Policy

All individuals involved in the scholarship process must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

• Any member with a conflict must recuse themselves immediately
• No board member, officer, donor, or affiliated individual may influence the selection process for personal benefit

9. Award Administration

• Scholarships may be paid directly to the educational institution whenever possible
• Funds must be used for qualified educational expenses such as tuition, fees, and books
• CTXGF may require documentation of fund usage

10. Monitoring & Compliance

CTXGF will:

• Maintain records of all applications, evaluations, and awards
• Ensure funds are used for intended educational purposes
• Request periodic updates or proof of enrollment from recipients

11. Non-Discrimination Policy

CTXGF does not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Gender
• Religion
• Disability
• Age

All scholarships are awarded in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

12. Public Benefit Statement

All scholarship activities are conducted exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

The program is designed to serve the public interest and expand access to opportunity for individuals across Central Texas.

13. Amendments

CTXGF reserves the right to modify this policy to ensure continued compliance with IRS regulations and to improve program effectiveness.

Program Overview

Our scholarship program is designed to:

• Expand access to education and technical training
• Support individuals with demonstrated potential and need
• Promote leadership and community engagement
• Strengthen long-term economic opportunity

Application Deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply before the priority deadlines for full consideration.

Award Structure

Scholarship amounts are determined based on:

• Available funding
• Applicant qualifications
• Program priorities

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be accepted or enrolled in an accredited institution or training program
• Demonstrate merit, need, or community involvement
• Show commitment to contributing to their community

Selection Process

All applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic achievement or potential
• Financial need
• Leadership and community engagement
• Personal statement

Selections are made by an independent committee to ensure fairness and transparency.

Public Benefit Commitment

All scholarship programs are conducted exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and are designed to serve the broader public and community as a whole.