FALL 2026 & SPRING 2027 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

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The National Cowboy Heritage Association awards scholarships each semester to outstanding high school seniors or current college/university students who have been raised in or currently reside in a Texas working ranch or agricultural family

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Eligibility Requirements:

Residency:

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• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a Texas resident, enrolled in or graduated from an accredited high school or homeschool program

• Applicant must have been raised in the home of a working ranch or agricultural family in Texas

• An applicant whose home is in Texas but is attending an out-of-state school will be considered a resident

 

Academic Standing:

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• Applicant must be a high school senior, graduate, or continuing education student

• Applicant must plan to register as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, or trade school - minimum 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates, or 6–9 credit hours per semester for graduate students

• A 2.5 grade point average must be maintained to receive continued NCHA funding

 

Character Requirements:

 

• Candidate must maintain a lifestyle of high moral character during their college career

• To receive continued financial support from NCHA, students must remain drug-free and crime-free

• Applicants with a felony conviction within the past 5 years will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

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Required Documents - New Applicants:

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Please submit all five items together with your application.

 

1. Completed application form - the form below

2. Personal essay OR video (2–5 minutes) - tell us about your ranch or agricultural background, your educational goals, and what this scholarship would mean for you. Written or on camera is entirely your choice; both are given equal weight

3. One letter of recommendation OR recommendation video - from a teacher, coach, principal, employer, ag instructor, or community leader. Recommendations from family members are not accepted

4. Official transcript - high school seniors, from your high school; current college students, from your college or university. Homeschool students may submit a parent-issued transcript

5. Copy of your birth certificate . A clear photo or scan is acceptable; please do not mail your original document

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Please note: the essay or video and the letter of recommendation are two separate requirements. A letter of recommendation does not substitute for your personal essay. 

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Awarding and Payment:​​​

• Scholarship funds are paid directly to your school, not to the student

• Awards are made for one semester at a time. A new application is required for each semester you wish to be considered; applications do not carry over
   

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Application Deadlines:

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• Fall Semester: August 1, 2026

• Spring Semester: January 10, 2027​​​