The scholarship program is open from March 1 to May 1, 2024.
(See below for instructions.)
History of the Eugene McCray Scholarship
Several years ago, in an effort to help fulfill the association’s purpose, TABCCM established the Eugene McCray Scholarship in memory of one of TABCCM’s founding fathers, the late Fort Worth City Councilmember Eugene McCray. The Eugene McCray Scholarship Committee (EMSC), composed of TABCCM members, awards at least 12 scholarships totaling at least $25,000 annually to African-American high school graduates and/or college undergraduates. The scholarship may be used for tuition or fees and must be used by May of the following school year.
Application Requirements
The EMSC determines the recipients based upon the completed applications submitted. (Alternate recipients are named in the event the winner is unable to accept the funds.)
To qualify, an applicant must:
- Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on May 1st.
- Applications must be complete to be scored.
Additional, detailed requirements for current High School graduates and Post-Secondary applicants are located on the electronic application.
Applications are accepted from qualified students across the state and in 2021, through the support of our T. J. Patterson Annual Golf Tournament, we awarded a total of 25 scholarships totaling more than $28,000.
List of Criteria and Required Documents
Qualified high school graduate applicants must:
- Have at least a 2.5 average on the 4.0 scale.
- Have been an active participant in at least two extracurricular high school activities.
- Have been an active participant in two church/civic activities while in high school.
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from an official of the church/civic organizations listed in #3 above. (NOTE: Letters of recommendation shall be signed and dated on official letterhead.)
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a current member of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members.
- Submit an essay on: “African-Americans in Municipal (City) Government”. (250 words)
- Provide a copy of the acceptance letter from the college/university you plan to attend.
- Submit the completed application electronically on or before May 1st.
- Submit an official signed, stamped, and high school transcript.
- Submit a current photo.
Qualified Post Secondary Applicants must:
- Have at least a 2.5 average on the 4.0 scale.
- Have been an active participant in at least one extracurricular college activity.
- Have been an active participant in a church/civic organization during the year in college.
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from an official of the church/civic organizations listed in #3 above. (NOTE: Letters of recommendation shall be signed and dated on official letterhead.)
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a current member of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members.
- Submit an essay on: “African-Americans in Municipal (City) Government”. Former recipients may select the alternate topic: “What this Scholarship Meant to Me”. (250 words)
- Request from the Registrar an official signed and stamped transcript as documentation of successful completion of at least 12 hours in the past semester. Attach it to this entry.
- Submit the completed application electronically on or before May 1st.
- Submit a current photo.
In general, the committee will make their selection based on weighting in these areas.
Therefore, all information and signatures must be provided.
- Grades = 30%
- Essay = 30%
- Additional Requirements = 40%
INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE SCORED!
How to Apply
This year, all applications will be applied for and submitted through our new online portal. Once you start your submission(s), you can edit it as many times as you want until you hit the “Submit Entry” button. You will not be able to make changes after you submit your application. You will not be able to edit or post new applications after the deadline. If you have problems, contact Tristan at tristan@tml.org.
T.J. Patterson, Sr., Annual Golf Tournament
The T.J. Patterson, Sr., Annual Golf Tournament is the association’s largest fundraiser in support of this educational effort.
If you are interested in receiving more information about TABCCM, the Eugene McCray Scholarship, and the upcoming T.J. Patterson, Sr., Annual Golf Tournament, please contact Tristan Gideon, TML Affiliate Services Coordinator, at tristan@tml.org.