Become a Thoma Scholar

What does it mean to be a Thoma Scholar?

Working with our university partners to offer comprehensive support through financial aid, external scholarships, institutional concessions, and foundation contributions, the Thoma Scholars Program helps students complete their degrees with as close to zero debt as possible. Thoma Scholars may use their scholarships to cover tuition, housing, fees, meals, books, and an international study abroad experience.

Beyond financial support, the Thoma Scholars Program gives high-achieving students a path to promising futures through mentorship, educational support, and leadership training. All scholarship recipients will have access to a designated support specialist at their university to address academic concerns and everyday challenges that could otherwise prevent them from completing their degrees. The foundation and partner universities will also provide a variety of formal and informal opportunities, including seminars, cohort gatherings, travel experiences, mentorship, and advising. 

Thoma Scholars are selected from a highly competitive applicant pool of graduating seniors. Strong candidates will demonstrate a combination of academic accomplishment, financial need, leadership, and community involvement. First-generation and low-income students are especially encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Requirements

To be considered for the Thoma Scholars Program, a student must reside and attend high school in one of the following counties:

Texas: Armstrong, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Collingsworth, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Donley, Gray, Hall, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Swisher, and Wheeler

New Mexico: Union, Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, and Lea

Oklahoma: Beaver, Cimarron, Dewey, Ellis, Harper, Major, Roger Mills, Texas, Woods and Woodward

Based on GPA, class rank, test scores, and rigor of curriculum

History of Demonstrated Leadership Potential:

Participation in student government, high school athletics, religious organizations, groups like FFA or 4H, volunteering, working to support their families, entrepreneurism, and more

Questions? Please connect with our team by filling out this form.