Navigating Oldham County Community Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Pursuing higher education is a significant investment, and scholarships play a vital role in making it accessible. For students in and around Oldham County, a variety of community scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden. This article provides a detailed overview of the requirements and opportunities associated with these scholarships.

Oldham County Community Foundation (OCCF)

The Oldham County Community Foundation (OCCF) plays a central role in enriching the quality of life for all citizens of Oldham County. It achieves this mission by serving the charitable interests of donors who have established charitable funds, creating a permanent, collective, philanthropic resource for both current and future needs within the Oldham County community.

Organized in 2010, OCCF aims to provide the services of a community foundation to residents and build a charitable endowment for Oldham County. Since its establishment, OCCF has contributed over $350,000 to organizations serving the region. While there was no OCCF grant cycle for spring 2025, a grant cycle is anticipated in spring 2026. Updates will be provided as the date approaches.

The Oldham County Community Foundation works each year to support and promote Oldham County through its competitive grant making program.

General Eligibility Requirements for OCCF Scholarships

To be eligible for OCCF scholarships, applicants must meet specific criteria:

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Accredited Institution: Applicant must attend an accredited college, university, or technical school after graduation (2-year or 4-year).
Financial Need: Applicants must not have tuition and room/board costs paid in full by other scholarships, grants, or financial aid.

In addition to these general eligibility requirements, each sponsor has specific requirements. For example, several scholarships require an essay, attendance at a specific school, or that you are pursuing a specific major. You are responsible for ensuring that all supporting documents are submitted by the deadline.

The online application is available from February 1st and can be submitted up to the deadline of 11:59 pm on February 28th. Only complete applications will be considered for awards.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities and Requirements

While many scholarships are not county-specific, it's essential to explore all available options. The following list exemplifies the types of scholarships available, along with their specific requirements, primarily focusing on examples from Texas and surrounding areas, which can serve as a guide to understanding the breadth of opportunities that may exist elsewhere:

Geographic and School-Specific Scholarships

Claude High School Scholarship: For a graduating high school senior of Claude High School majoring in the field of biological science.
Silverton High School Scholarship: For a graduating high school senior of Silverton High School. They can attend any university or school of their choice. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible to apply.
Groom High School Scholarship: For graduating high school seniors from Groom High School attending any university/college in the State of Texas.
Groom, Panhandle, White Deer, and Pampa Schools Scholarship: For graduating high school seniors from Groom, Panhandle, White Deer, and Pampa schools. The recipient may attend any accredited college/university and major in their field of choice.
Lefors, Pampa, and White Deer Schools Scholarship: For graduating high school seniors from Lefors, Pampa, and White Deer schools with a high school GPA of 80 (3.2 on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
Wellington High School Scholarships:
- For graduating high school seniors from Wellington High School with an 80 or above (3.2 on a 4.0 scale) high school GPA.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wellington High School who are in the top half of their class.
- For graduating high school student-athletes from Wellington High School.
Pampa High School Scholarships:
- For graduating high school seniors from Pampa High School who wish to attend any accredited college/university and major in any field of study.
- For a graduating senior from Pampa High School who participated in high school athletics and who exhibits community service and leadership. The recipient may attend a school of his/her choice and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to apply. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 while in college.
- For High School Seniors from Pampa High School that are active students in band and/or choir. They may attend any university or school and major in a field of their choice.
Memphis High School Scholarship: Scholarship is awarded to the Memphis High School college-bound senior who achieves the highest grade average in Language Arts, Foreign Language, Science, Math, and Social Studies.
Channing, Dalhart, Dumas, Stratford, and Sunray High Schools Scholarships: For graduating seniors from Channing, Dalhart, Dumas, Stratford, and Sunray High Schools who plan to attend any accredited two or four-year college/university in the United States and major in Agriculture.

County-Specific Scholarships

Carson County Scholarship: This fund will provide a scholarship to Carson County graduating high school seniors who plan to attend Amarillo College or Frank Phillips College and study in a workforce, career, or skilled trades program. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 to be eligible to apply, and the recipient must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Castro County Scholarship: For graduating high school seniors in Castro County who plan to attend Texas Tech University or West Texas A&M University.
Dallam, Hartley, and Sherman Counties Scholarships: For graduating high school seniors from Dallam, Hartley, and Sherman Counties who plan to attend Texas A&M University.
Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties Scholarships:
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle majoring in Agriculture at West Texas A&M University. While donors prefer that students major in Agriculture, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Agriculture major criteria, other majors will be considered.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle planning to attend Clarendon College. While donors prefer that students major in Agriculture, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Agriculture major criteria, other majors will be considered.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle planning to attend Oklahoma Panhandle State University. While donors prefer that students major in Agriculture, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Agriculture major criteria, other majors will be considered.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle majoring in Agriculture at Texas Tech University. While donors prefer that students major in Agriculture, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Agriculture major criteria, other majors will be considered.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle majoring in Human Sciences at Texas Tech University. While donors prefer that students major in Human Sciences, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Human Sciences major criteria, other majors will be considered.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle who plan to attend Frank Phillips College and major in any field of study.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree, and Lipscomb counties of the Texas Panhandle who plan to attend Amarillo College and major in any field of study.
Carson, Donley, Gray, Hemphill, Roberts or Wheeler counties Scholarships: For graduating high school seniors from Carson, Donley, Gray, Hemphill, Roberts or Wheeler counties who plan to attend an accredited regional college or university in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle including Texas Tech University and South Plains Community College and major in any undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral field of study.
Hartley County, Moore County, and AISD high schools Scholarships: For ethnic minority students graduating from Hartley County, Moore County, and AISD high schools. Applicants can attend school of their choice.

Major and Field of Study Specific Scholarships

Biological Science Scholarship: For a graduating high school senior of Claude High School majoring in the field of biological science.
Agriculture Scholarships:
- For graduating seniors from Channing, Dalhart, Dumas, Stratford, and Sunray High Schools who plan to attend any accredited two or four-year college/university in the United States and major in Agriculture.
- For seniors graduating from high schools located in Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle majoring in Agriculture at West Texas A&M University. While donors prefer that students major in Agriculture, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Agriculture major criteria, other majors will be considered.
- For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle majoring in Agriculture at Texas Tech University. While donors prefer that students major in Agriculture, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Agriculture major criteria, other majors will be considered.
Human Science, Home Economics, or Family and Consumer Science Scholarships: For graduating high school seniors from District One of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and plans to attend the college or university of his/her choice and major in their field of choice with preference given to those majoring in Human Science, Home Economics, or Family and Consumer Science.
Human Sciences Scholarships: For graduating high school seniors from Wheeler, Roberts, Gray, Hemphill, Ochiltree and Lipscomb Counties of the Texas Panhandle majoring in Human Sciences at Texas Tech University. While donors prefer that students major in Human Sciences, if there are no eligible applicants who meet the Human Sciences major criteria, other majors will be considered.
Education Scholarships: For graduating seniors from schools located in Senate District 31, pursuing a degree/teacher certification in education. Must have minimum GPA of 85 (3.4). They may attend any accredited college in the State of Texas.
Medical Field Scholarships: For a college student that is a current resident of or graduated from a high school located in Ochiltree, Hansford, Lipscomb, Hutchinson, Roberts or Hemphill counties currently enrolled in the medical, nursing, pharmacy, dental fields, or physicianâs assistant at any accredited college or university.

Affiliation and Membership Based Scholarships

Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative (DSEC) Scholarship Fund: The Deaf Smith Electric Cooperative (DSEC) Scholarship Fund will provide a one-time scholarship to students who plan to attend an accredited state-supported university, private university, junior college, or vocational school. Eligible applicants must be a member of DSEC or dependent of an active member of DSEC that resides with the active member; or be a dependent of a DSEC employee. High school seniors, as well as any student or prospective student who has not previously received this scholarship, will be eligible to apply.
4-H Scholarship: Must be a 4-H graduating senior who has attended at least 50% of 4-H meetings during senior year. Applicants must have been in 4-H for 4 years, and must have completed at least 1 project per year and submitted a recordbook during that time. Student can attend college/university of their choice. Student must complete a minimum of 24 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA BEFORE scholarship is paid.
First United Methodist Church in Pampa Scholarship: For college bound members of First United Methodist Church in Pampa. The recipient may major in any field of study.
North Plains Electric Cooperative Scholarship: For high school or college students who are active members or are dependents of active members and that reside with the member of the North Plains Electric Cooperative. Applicants can attend any university or school of their choice and can major in any field.

Other Requirements and Opportunities

Minimum GPA: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 or higher. For example, the Silverton High School Scholarship requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible to apply. Some scholarships, like those for graduating seniors from Lefors, Pampa, and White Deer schools, require a high school GPA of 80 (3.2 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. For education scholarships for seniors in Senate District 31, a minimum GPA of 85 (3.4) is required.
Essay Requirements: Some scholarships require an essay as part of the application process.
Leadership and Community Service: Some scholarships, like one for a graduating senior from Pampa High School, consider community service and leadership as part of the criteria.
Ethical Behavior: The Better Business Bureau Integrity Foundation recognizes high school seniors who personify sound ethical behavior and decision-making in their leadership roles at school and in their community.
STEM Fields: The Southern Automotive Womenâs Forum (SAWF) supports the advancement of women in automotive careers by encouraging young women to pursue STEM fieldsâscience, technology, engineering, and math. Scholarship applications are accepted from October 1 through November 30th each year.
Financial Need: The Oldham County Community Foundation requires that applicants must not have tuition and room/board costs paid for in-full by other scholarships, grants or financial aid.

Strategies for Finding and Applying for Scholarships

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search early in your high school career, ideally during your junior year.
Utilize Online Resources: Explore online scholarship databases and search engines to identify potential opportunities.
Check with Your High School Counselor: Counselors often have information about local and national scholarships. Please see the Gruver High School Counselor.
Read Requirements Carefully: Pay close attention to eligibility criteria, deadlines, and required documents.
Craft a Strong Application: Write a compelling essay, highlight your achievements, and showcase your personality.
Proofread Everything: Ensure your application is free of errors and typos.
Submit on Time: Meet all deadlines to ensure your application is considered.
Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances of receiving funding by applying for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. When you fill out the application, you can apply for multiple scholarships.

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