Honor Parris’ legacy. Fast-track your college career.

the parris g. memorial scholarship

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the scholarship

Intelligent, motivated, and talented first-generation students shouldn’t worry about how to afford college

We award The Parris Gaehring Memorial Scholarship every year to students who excel in STEM, and more importantly, show passion for their local community.

Although Parris never had the opportunity to attend college, he always believed in the value of higher education. Today, we’ve funded over $46K in scholarships and have helped 18 students make college more affordable.

you could be our next scholar!

Part of one of our TRIO Programs

To be eligible you must be…

A graduating high school senior

Attending Spring Branch ISD, Northbrook HS, or Spring Woods HS; Fort Bend ISD, Dulles HS, Willowridge HS, 
Hightower HS, or Marshall HS; 
Alief ISD, Elsik HS, Hastings HS, Kerr HS, or Taylor HS


Planning to enroll in college in the Fall semester of the upcoming school year

Scholarship Award is $1000

Renewable up to Four Years w/ Continued College Enrollment

Must Maintain a Cumulative GPA of 2.5

Scholarships Disbursed Every Fall and Spring Semester

more scholarship details

Aaliyah was a member of the Fort Bend Upward Bound program in 2019. In that time, she has grown as a student and as a leader. Over the summer of her senior year, Aaliyah participated in the summer Bridge program where she attended and successfully passed her HCC courses.

Aaliyah was selected as one of the 2020 Advantage CCR Solution Scholarship winners. She was given a $500 scholarship to assist in her academic needs. Aaliyah was heavily involved as a sports team trainer at Hightower High School and continued to pursue her passion by pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at the University of North Texas. 

aaliyah

Meet Our Past Parris G. Memorial Scholarship Recipients

“The Upward Bound program helped me get the connections and confidence I needed to achieve the college dream.”

Laura was a member of the Upward Bound program during its inception in the 2017-18 school year. Over the summer of her senior year, Laura represented The Parris Foundation Fort Bend Upward Bound program at the National Student Leadership Congress. The conference culminated to a group project where her and her teammates presented a bill in front of a mock congress to compete against the rest of the delegations from across the nation. Laura and her team took 1st place overall and were presented with certificates and new laptops for school. Laura continued to pursue her education at Texas A&M University to study business.

laura

“The Upward Bound program helped me realize my own potential and helped me understand that any aspiration is possible. Circumstances are only obstacles that can be overcome.”

Mija began her journey with the Upward Bound program in 2020 and soared as a student. Even though she was involved with athletics and numerous organizations, she still maintained a high GPA and completed her college admissions process. Over the summer of her senior year, Mija won two scholarships through the Upward Bound program. She received the Advantage CCR Solutions scholarship for $500 and The Parris Foundation scholarship for $1000. Since Mija successfully passed her HCC classes as a bridge student, she continued to pursue an education at the Sam Houston State University to study Chemistry and minor in Criminal Justice.

mija

“The Upward Bound has brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me with writing essays for scholarships.”

Ready to fund your college experience and chase the career of your dreams?

To enter for a chance to become a Parris Gaehring Scholarship Recipient, click through to the application below. Scholarship applications are due by Spring Semester of your high school senior year.
We’re rooting for you!

Here’s How to Apply

Your big and bright future awaits.