Program & Financial Benefits

The Texas Leadership Scholars (TLS) program will prepare students for life after graduation, whether their next step is a professional career or graduate school. Because only 250 students are selected to become Texas Leadership Scholars each year, encourage your TEXAS Grant-eligible, high achieving students to apply for the Texas Leadership Scholars program.

Scholars are eligible to receive funding through this renewable scholarship for up to 4 years/8 long semesters, if they continue to meet program criteria and requirements.

  • The institution will ensure 100%* of board-designated tuition and fees are covered through a combination of federal, state, and institutional aid.
  • For *tuition and fees, total aid amount is capped by need as determined in the FAFSA or TASFA.
  • The Coordinating Board will provide a Housing & Food scholarship* equal to the average cost at the participating institution.
  • Housing & Food scholarship* is provided regardless if living on or off campus, this amount is capped at cost of attendance.
  • The Coordinating Board will fund summer programming opportunities.
  • Only undergraduate courses are covered, and they must be taken in the fall or spring.

At onset of awarding, the Scholarship is not transferable because we seek to ensure a cohort of students at each campus. If the student does not attend the institution which awarded the scholarship, they will be foregoing being a participant in this program.*

 

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University of Houston campus coordinator and students standing together

Progressive Mentorship

Scholars will participate in progressive mentoring throughout their experience. These opportunities may include:

  • Being assigned a peer or faculty/staff mentor. Campus Coordinators will automatically serve as a mentor to Scholars.
  • Participate in a job shadowing program. Learn and receive advice from corporate and executive leaders regarding what they are looking for in new graduates.
  • Be matched with an alumni mentor who is aligned with their academic or professional goals.

 

5 students a table during class in Costa Rica to present their project

Undergraduate Research

Scholars receive access to on-campus research opportunities. The TLSP Campus Coordinator will help students find opportunities and provide workshops on securing research positions.

 

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UT Dallas Student Spotlight. Isaiah Tate - First Generation Engineering Student Securing his Dream Job with Lockheed Martin since high school. He looks forward to contributing to aerospace innovation and making a lasting impact in the industry.

Professional Development

Opportunities for individual and professional growth will take place each year. These opportunities may include: 

  • Strengths or Leadership Assessment 
  • Group Service Projects 
  • Networking events to practice communication and relationship-building skills 
  • Workshops and earning opportunities to: 
  • Resume writing 
  • Developing an elevator speech 
  • LinkedIn and other social media branding 
  • Value of diversity in teams and businesses 
  • Pursuing graduate school

 

four students playing Jenga in the residence hall.

Living Learning Community*

 A Living Learning Community (LLC)* is a requirement of this program. This may require scholars to live on campus in a specific community with other TLS recipients for the first 2 years of the program. Questions regarding this requirement should be directed to specific institution.

*This set-up may vary by campus. If a particular campus does not provide an LLC for their scholars, supplemental programming will be offered regularly to connect the group.

 

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2 students pointing a sloth on top of a cabana

Summer Programs

Study Abroad
Scholars can apply to participate in a Scholars-specific paid study abroad experience.

Summer 2025:

  • 30 TLS Scholars, from 13 Participating Institutions, enjoyed a 15-day trip to San Juan, Costa Rica.
  • TLS partnered with Academic Programs International (API) to custom build this program specifically for Texas Leadership Scholars.
  • The study abroad program included a 3-credit hour course, "MGMT 3020 - Business Leadership in Rural Settings" taught by Maria Jose Meza Sibaja, a local instructor at Universidad Veritas.
Scholar Quotes:

"The people you meet will change your life. Be open to everything!!"

"The trip was awesome! The hotel accommodation was nice (props to sebastian 🙌)! All of the meals were a great representation of Costa Rican culture and tasted amazing. The excursions were well planned and very informative to all of the aspects of CR. Coffee farm was 10/10 mine and I’m sure everyone else’s favorite! Can’t wait to continue my TLS journey with my new friends from all across Texas!"

"This was such a great and fun experience, one we will always remember. Beyond the academics, it was a chance to grow personally, connect with new people, and gain a deeper understanding of another culture. I think every student should take the opportunity to go on a program like this if they can. It pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way. It teaches you things you can't learn in a regular classroom. I'm truly blessed and grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend it to others."

"This program was an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful to have been part of it. The blend of academic challenge, cultural immersion, and leadership development made it one of the most meaningful experiences I've had as a student. I especially appreciated the opportunity to connect with other TLS Scholars and learn from Costa Rican entrepreneurs and community leaders."

Annual Leadership Conference

Summer 2025:

  • 140 TLS Scholars, from 23 Participating Institutions, enjoyed a 3 Day Conference at the University of North Texas 
  • The theme: LEAD - Leadership. Empowerment. Achievement. Development!

Scholar Quotes:

"ATTEND!! It’s an incredible experience with lots of great information and knowledge at your fingertips!"

"The conference is such a wonderful experience where you get to make connections with other students in the same boat as you. You get to practice being courageous in your greetings in a judgment-free zone and make truly special memories."

"I learned how to better my communication and my professionalism. I became more confident in speaking to others and asking questions that help me make great connections."

"I loved the program. I feel as if every speaker gave us amazing advice and showed us something new. I enjoyed the amount of breaks and the different breakout sessions we had."