Austin Area Heritage Council is proud to continue the academic legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr by awarding scholarships to Austin area high school seniors. Our sponsors represent organizations that are committed to carrying out the dream of Dr. King.
In partnership with our corporate sponsors, the AAHC is committed to selecting a class of MLK Youth Scholarship Award recipients that reflects the cultural, economic, and academic diversity of the Greater Austin community.
The MLK Youth Scholarship Awards recognize students for their outstanding achievements, character, leadership, and commitment to their schools and communities. The program also seeks to inspire the next generation to continue Dr. King’s legacy of service and positive change.
Scholarship Sponsors and Awards
Applied Materials Foundation Awards
Awarding five scholarships
Ascension Seton Awards
Awarding three scholarships
Coca-Cola Awards
Awarding five scholarships
December 15th is the deadline for nominations for all awards
Please email any questions or concerns to [email protected]
Eligibility
The MLK Youth Scholarship Awards are open to all eligible students, regardless of race or ethnicity. Students from all backgrounds are welcomed and strongly encouraged to apply. The awards honor Dr. King’s vision of judging individuals “not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Applicants Must
- Be a senior in high school and no older than nineteen (19) on January 1, 2027.
- Reside in the Greater Austin metropolitan area.
- Submit a complete application and required essay by the deadline
- Submit a current transcript or most recent report card with application.
Application Guidelines
- Students must apply directly for the scholarship. Nominations are not accepted.
- Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship category if they meet the qualifications for each category.
- An applicant may receive only one scholarship award. Students are encouraged to select the category that best reflects their achievements, experiences, and qualifications.
- Applications and supporting documents must be submitted online by the stated deadline.
- A current transcript or most recent report card must be emailed to [email protected] by the application deadline.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Scholarship Awards Ceremony
The MLK Youth Scholarship Awards will be presented at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2027, at a reception in their honor:
Austin Community College Eastview Campus
Building 8000, Room 8500—Multipurpose Hall
3401 Webberville Road
Austin, Texas 78702
All applicants are also invited to participate in the MLK Community Celebration activities on Monday, January 18, 2027.
Award Categories
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE/EDUCATION – The student should have consistently demonstrated high academic achievement. This includes grades, creativity, critical thinking, classroom participation, and other behaviors that contribute to excellence in scholarship.
ARTS – Any youth who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to personal achievement in the artistic disciplines or who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment utilizing art to benefit others in a significant way such as music, drama, visual and performing arts.
BEATING THE ODDS — Any youth who has overcome unusual or overwhelming adversity to achieve personal greatness or contributed in an exceptional way to those in their community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERISM — The student should have volunteered his/her time for one or more activities, which were to the immediate benefit of others in the community. This student has made a positive impact on their community through volunteerism. Please document the occasion(s), the participants, and the value of the service in which the student was engaged. Volunteer service should not include paid assignments.
DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY HUMANITARIAN — This award embodies the spirit, values and philosophy of Dr. King. (a) The student should have been involved in activities or other organized efforts in their school or community that have facilitated inclusion and understanding among people of different religious faiths, ethnic backgrounds and racial groups. The student also demonstrated a passion for fairness and justice and compassion for others in need. Or (b) The student was involved with efforts that contributed to the improvement of the quality of life for individuals who have been displaced in our communities. For example, provided support and services to individuals displaced by hurricanes or other disasters/events.
HEALTH SCIENCES AWARD – The student should have consistently demonstrated high academic achievement. This includes grades, creativity, critical thinking, classroom participation, and other behaviors that contribute to excellence in scholarship.
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE – Any youth who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to personal/academic achievement; pursuit of learning and using acquired knowledge and skill in the following courses: Honors and AP courses (Ex: Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Pre calculus, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
YOUTH LEADERSHIP — The student should have: (a) Initiated an activity to either meet a need, or provided a service of immediate value to other students in his/her program, or to the School; Or (b) Should have accepted leadership responsibility in the execution of a position or task, which was of value to other students, to his/her program, or to the School. Leadership can also be demonstrated by active participation in a sponsored organization in the student’s area of study.