Scholarships

The HATC Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to inspire academic achievement and promote community leadership among high school students. Offered through the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC) Foundation, the scholarship supports graduating seniors who plan to enroll in a college, university, or trade program in Fall 2026.

To apply for the Resident Scholarship, you must:

• Be a member of a household currently receiving assistance through the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC)
• Be 18 years or older, or a current high school senior
• Be enrolled in, or planning to attend, a qualifying college, university, or training program
• Submit a complete application (including all required materials) by the deadline
• Have at least a 2.0 GPA
• Provide proof of citizenship or legal status (e.g., birth certificate, passport, state ID, driver’s license)
• Provide proof of FAFSA submission

‍View and print the Resident Scholarship Application above.

Review the eligibility requirements and the list of qualifying schools and programs. Use the link above to access the application packet, which includes a checklist of required materials.

Follow the checklist carefully: complete the application, write your essay, secure a letter of recommendation, and submit all materials by May 7, 2026.

Submit the following materials:

• Completed application (access the application above)
• Personal essay (400–500 words) responding to:
  • “Where do you see yourself in the next two years?”
  • “How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?”
  • “What are you doing now to achieve those goals?”
• One letter of recommendation from one of the following:
  • Teacher, professor, academic advisor, or school counselor
  • Employer, direct supervisor, or co-worker
  • Community volunteer or athletic coach
    Tip: Encourage your recommender to highlight your strengths, achievements, and goals.
• Proof of enrollment in a qualifying school or program for the 2026–2027 academic year
  • If not available at the time of application, it must be submitted within 30 days of receiving your scholarship award.

Choose one of the following submission methods:

1) By mail:
Housing Authority of Travis County
ATTN: Resident Scholarship Program
502 East Highland Mall Blvd., Suite 106-B
Austin, TX 78752

2) In person:
Drop off your application at the Housing Authority office (same address as above)

3) By email:
Send your materials to [email protected]
Subject line: Resident Scholarship Application

‍May 7, 2026

The Resident Scholarship provides awards of at least $2,500.

Scholarship funds are issued directly to the recipient and may be used for educational expenses, including:

• Tuition and required fees
• Books and course materials
• Computer equipment
• Other essential educational supplies

All applicants will be notified in writing of their selection status. Recipients can expect notification within 6–8 weeks after the application deadline.

Qualifying options include:

• Four-year universities or state colleges
• Two-year community or city colleges
• Graduate schools
• Post-graduate programs
• Technical or vocational schools and programs
• Certificate programs

If you are unsure if an institution or program qualifies, please contact [email protected] to verify.