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2025 SISD Foundation for Excellence in Education

SCHOLARSHIP PROCESS

Welcome to the SISD Foundation Scholarship Application process for Socorro ISD students graduating from an SISD high school in Spring 2026!

Scholarship awards will be sent directly to the post-secondary institution listed by the student. If the student fails to enroll and begin classes, unused scholarship funds will be recovered from the educational institution and deposited into the appropriate Foundation account.

Scholarship applications must be submitted complete with attachments uploaded for consideration. If any of the supporting documents are not included in your original submission, you will be disqualified.

Male high school student with over the shoulder book bag standing in front of lockers

Criteria

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have attended an SISD high school for a minimum of 2 full school years (11th & 12th grade)
  • Must be graduating in 2025-2026 school year

*Military students who have enrolled due to PCS orders and do not meet the 2-year rule are eligible.

Deadlines

February 28, 2026: Completed application with all supporting documentation is due

March 17, 2026: The selection process begins

May 6, 2026: Schools will be notified

Contact

Questions? Please contact:

Rachel Tarango,
SISD Foundation Liaison
(915) 937-1618
[email protected]

Kevin Soltero,
SISD Foundation Assistant
[email protected]

IMPORTANT:

Before starting the application process, please review the steps below to determine what scholarships are available and gather the documentation you’ll need.

Your application must be completed in one sitting as progress is not saved if closed.

STEP ONE

Determine which scholarships you'd qualify for

Please read the descriptions for each and determine which scholarships you will be applying for.

District-Wide Scholarships

The Socorro ISD Foundation for Excellence in Education will award $3,000 Foundation scholarships. There will be an equal number of scholarships awarded to AHS, EHS, SHS, EDHS, PHHS, MHS and one each for Options High School and Mission ECHS. It is funded by contributions from employees of the SISD, through SISD Foundation fundraising projects, and by contributions from organizations and individuals. Recipients may attend a community college, a 4-year university, or a trade/technical school.

Clearwire-Sprint Scholarships are comprised of six awards to deserving graduates of Socorro Independent School District high schools. These scholarships are limited to students that have the courses offered in the “trades”. Scholarships will be granted as follows: (3) Academic Excellence; (3) Occupational Trades

This scholarship is awarded in the name of W. G. Barber, father of the former SISD Superintendent, Jerry Barber. It is funded by contributions from the employees of the SISD. Scholarships are granted to graduates of the Socorro ISD with a demonstrated interest in a career in Education, who will attend UTEP or El Paso Community College. The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by the committee in the amount of $1,000 each.

This scholarship is handled through the SISD Special Education Department for eligible graduating students. For more information about specific requirements and application needs, please contact Rosalie Yanez at [email protected], or (915) 937-1888.

Scholarship Award – $1000.00
Quantity/Amount – 2
 
This scholarship is meant to support SISD Fine Arts students that are choosing to major in Fine Arts in college. A maximum of two individuals will be selected per year. 
 
Additional Application Requirements:
  • Meet all applicable requirements for the SISD Foundation Scholarship
  • Have been a member of an SISD Music, Dance, Theater, or Art program/classes during their high school career at a SISD campus for at least 2 years (Senior year enrollment does count towards this requirement.)
  • Intend to major in a Fine Art: Music, Dance, Theater, or Art
  • Have a 3.5 GPA or Higher
 
Supplemental materials required. Showcase submission must be in connection to declared college Fine Arts major. 
 
Music Specific Applicants:
Provide a 5-10 minute video showcasing your top musical performances during high school as part of a SISD program. This should showcase your individual performance(s) and may be highlighted solos or recreated pieces for this recording’s purpose. View Upload Instructions
 
Theater Specific Applicants:
Provide a 5-10 minute video showcasing your top theatrical performances during high school as part of a SISD program.  This should showcase your individual performance(s) and may also be highlighted monologues, a highlight reel of your performances over time, or recreated pieces for this recording’s purpose. View Upload Instructions
 
Dance Specific Applicants:
Provide a 5-10 minute video showcasing your top dance performances during high school. This should showcase your individual performance(s) and may be highlighted solos, partner work, or recreated pieces for this recording’s purpose. View Upload Instructions
 
Art Specific Applicants:
Upload 5-10 images showcasing your original artworks created during high school. 

School-Specific Scholarships

Americas High School

One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually in the name of Hank Green, beloved former Social Studies teacher, to an Americas High School graduate. The student must attend the University of Texas at El Paso, and plan to major in Education. Preference will be given to students who will major in Social Studies education.

Montwood High School

The Ryan Beard Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior from Montwood High School who faithfully participated in Robotics. The amount of the scholarship will be $1,000 and the first award will be given at the end of this school year.

Socorro High School

The Gracie Tovar Memorial Scholarship honors the enduring legacy of the late Gracie Tovar, a dedicated former employee of the Socorro Independent School District (SISD) and the founding organizer of the annual SISD Foundation for Education Excellence Golf Tournament, which she led until her passing in 2021. Gracie’s unwavering commitment to SISD and her meaningful contributions to the community continue to inspire those who knew her. This scholarship stands as a testament to her impact and service.
 
A single scholarship for $1,000 will be awarded to a deserving graduate of Socorro High School who exemplifies the values Gracie championed.
Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded annually, in the name of ICON Homes, to a deserving graduating student of Socorro High School. These scholarships are funded by the owner of ICON Homes, a graduate of Socorro High School. These two scholarships are awarded to students planning to attend any community college, 4-year university, or trade/vocational school.

STEP two

Write a personal essay

This year, the SISD Foundation is offering you a choice of two essay prompts. Applicants will choose one of the two essay prompts, select the appropriate option for their selected prompt on the application, and provide the essay with the following requirements:

  • minimum of one typed page but not exceed 2 pages (350 words maximum), 12 pt font, and double-spaced
  • Utilize proper grammar, organization, and spelling for an essay
  • Include any additional details that are requested for applicable scholarship requirements

 

Choose ONE of the following prompts to answer in your essay.

A. What is something you always considered to be the truth, but you found out it had always been a lie? How did that make you feel? 

OR

B. What is a song or piece of music that is especially meaningful to you and why?

This essay is one of the largest factors of your final judges’ ratings. Here’s your chance to make a good impression. Be sincere and take time to submit your best work, taking time to consider grammar, spelling, and organization. The essay you submit should not be a first draft and should show that you put in the effort to present your best work.

Tell us your story. How have your personal, economic, or family considerations created the person you are today? If you’ve experienced any obstacles, how did you overcome those, too? Be positive. We want to hear about your life, accomplishments, and goals and how these scholarships will help propel you into your future, academically and professionally.

Some of the scholarships ask for additional information that should be included in your essay. Make sure to incorporate any information specific to scholarship requirements if applying for career and high school specific scholarships.

Requirements

  • One page minimum, 350 words maximum
  • Utilize proper grammar, organization, and spelling for an essay
  • Details specific to the scholarship you are applying for

STEP THREE

ADD YOUR RESUME

Your resume accounts for a significant part of your score when we consider applicants. Be sure to submit a resume that is in the standard format template. A template has been created to help you by showing examples and allowing you to type your information in its place. 

Requirements

  • Intended major and degree sought
  • Specialty courses taken in high school
  • Extracurricular activities, with sponsors’ names
  • Work history, if applicable
  • Community service activities including number of hours served and primary contact’s name and phone number or email address

Click the button below to download the resume template.

You MUST use this standard format for your resume. Your application will not be considered complete without the appropriately formatted resume.
Download Format Example

Bonus: This resume format is widely acceptable and can later be used for other scholarship, college, and job applications. After inputting your information, clean up the unnecessary notes that may remain (Those are highlighted), and you have a professional resume.

STEP four

Include High School
Academic Transcript

Make sure your transcript shows your coursework and grades from Freshman year to your current semester. The transcript must show progress and grades from 9th grade, 10th grade, 11th grade and current grading period. An unofficial high school academic transcript is permitted.

STEP five

This step is optional

Gather Letters of
Recommendation

Here is your time to shine! You may submit up to 2 letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, sponsors, managers at your place of employment, community leaders, community service or volunteer coordinators/organizers, church leaders, etc. Choose someone who knows you well, can attest to your growth throughout high school, and will make a case as to why you are deserving of this scholarship. Choose these individuals wisely. Do not submit letters of recommendation written by family or friends.

Letters of recommendation are not required to be eligible for any SISD Foundation Scholarships, but they can be considered if submitted in your application submission.

IMPORTANT:

Before starting the application process, be sure you know what scholarships you’re applying for and have all of the documentation you need.

Your application must be completed in one sitting as progress is not saved if closed.

START APPLICATION