Houston Striders

As a 501c3 registered charity, the Striders are proud to support the following organizations with annual donations:

Scholarship – NOW OPEN UNTIL May15th, 2026

We are honored to help build a future for students by awarding scholarships to further their higher education. For 2026, we seek to award need-based, renewable scholarships in the total amount of $2,000. The scholarship funds are payable ($1,000 per year) over the first two years of a four-year degree program or over the course of a two-year degree program. This program is also open to the children of current Houston Striders members in good standing.

The scholarship is open to: 

1. 2026 graduating high school seniors
2. Currently attending a school in the greater Houston area
3. Will be attending a Texas university/college/higher education program or trade school in the fall of 2026
4. Have a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0
5. Aligned with the mission of the Houston Striders to promote running, fitness, and community service (it is not required that you are an athlete)
6. Financial need is considered but not required

*All current Houston Striders that are members as of January 2026 and their immediate families are also eligible to apply. All applicants will be evaluated to the same criteria.

Required supporting documents:

  1. Completed scholarship application. Click here
  2. An official transcript from your high school
  3. A letter of recommendation from a high school counselor, teacher, or coach who knows you well and can attest to your scholarship and character.

For questions, please email us at StridersScholarships@gmail.com. 
All follow-up correspondence will be via e-mail, so please be sure to provide and keep your e-mail address current. You also must provide an e-mail or contact information for a parent or guardian.

Applicants will be notified by e-mail regardless of whether they received an award.

PAST RECIPIENTS

DAVID HEREFORD, TEXAS A&M

My first year was amazing, and I thank everyone who helped me cover my tuition. I was able to maintain a 3.7 while joining a freshman leadership organization and volunteering at my school’s fish camp for the summer. I also got into Mays Business School this summer, so I will be taking an accounting and finance class to see what path I should take. I want to again thank everyone who helped make this possible, and I can’t wait to see what I accomplish this year!

CLAUDIA RODRIGUEZ, U of H

As a first-generation student, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing student life and participating in many events my school has hosted. During my first year at UH, I volunteered at the Conrad N. Hilton College Career Fairs in both the fall and spring, which gave me the opportunity to connect with classmates and future employers. In the spring, I also took part in Gourmet Night, a yearly student-led dinner event, where I helped set up and serve dishes. Overall, I’m grateful to have completed my first year of college with the support of my family, pets, and friends. Most importantly, thank you, Houston Striders, for supporting my educational journey as I pursue my bachelor’s degree in Global Hospitality Leadership at UH!

MARIANA JUAREZ, U of H

I plan on majoring in nursing because I’ve always been passionate about helping people and interacting with
them. Nursing feels like a calling to me, and I want to make a meaningful difference in others’ lives by being
an important part of their care and support.