Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Comptroller Susan Combs reminded Texans today that applications are now being accepted for the 2013-2014 Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠ scholarship awards. The foundation, in cooperation with the Comptroller’s office, encourages Texas families to save for college by offering competitive matching scholarships and tuition grants to Texas students who participate in the Texas Tuition Promise Fund® (TTPF) — the state’s prepaid college tuition plan.
“One of the greatest assets any child can have is a strong education,” Combs said. “Match the Promise helps Texas children realize their dreams of a college education and a bright future.”
Fifth through ninth graders whose families have an income of $100,000 or less and participate in TTPF may apply for the matching scholarships and tuition grants through Dec. 31, 2013.
Families can also enroll in TTPF during this time if they have not already done so. Families participating in TTPF purchase prepaid “tuition units” that can later be used toward undergraduate tuition and required fees at Texas public colleges and universities. Match the Promise will award tuition units to approved recipients, supplementing what a 
participant contributes to their account during the current TTPF sales period (Sept. 1, 2013 – Aug. 31, 2014).
There are two levels of Match the Promise scholarships: a matching scholarship of tuition units worth up to $1,000 and a one-time grant of tuition units worth $2,000 at today’s prices. The five applicants who score the highest will be approved for the one-time grant. A minimum of $100 must be contributed to an approved recipient’s TTPF account to receive a matching scholarship or grant.
“In the first award year, 52 Texas students received scholarships through Match the Promise,” Combs said. “This year, our goal remains the same: fund as many scholarships as possible through this unique program.”
Students must write a career essay and submit a copy of their report card for the entire 2012-2013 school year with the scholarship application. Scholarship winners will be notified by March 31, 2014, and will have until Aug. 31, 2014, to meet contribution requirements.
For more information about eligibility requirements, the application process and selection criteria, visit www.matchthepromise.org or call 1-800-531-5441, ext. 3-7570.
Match the Promise is funded by individuals who have donated the cash value of property held in the state’s Unclaimed Property program, as well as donations from individuals, businesses and organizations through www.texas.gov and the State Employee Charitable Campaign. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt public charity and is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
