To apply, you must:

• Be a graduating high school senior (Class of 2026 or later)

• Be a US Citizen

• Live in the Greater Houston Area

• Demonstrate financial need

• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

• Plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or accredited vocational program

• Show commitment to academic effort, service, care for the community and others

• Submit a complete application by the deadline

• Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.

A full list of eligibility requirements will be posted on the Apply page when the cycle opens.

The application, letter of recommendation and other required application components are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 31, 2026. Everything must be submitted electronically and we recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application.

Financial need is based on your household’s overall situation, which may include:

• Household income range

• Number of people in the home

• Medical expenses or hardships

• Loss of income

• Housing instability

• Other financial challenges

You are not required to submit tax returns — we simply ask for an honest summary of your circumstances. We will look at each application on a case by case basis.

Yes. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be eligible.

We do not require test scores, and activities are helpful but not mandatory. Beyond GPA, we look at the whole student and consider:

• Your effort and growth

• Your service or responsibilities at home, school, or work

• Your essays and personal story

• Your commitment to your future goals

No.

As long as you live in the Greater Houston Area when you apply, you may attend any accredited 2-year, 4-year, or vocational program in the United States.

All applications must be submitted online through the LBP application portal. We do not accept emailed or mailed paper applications.

No. This scholarship is not tied to athletics in any way. Students with any set of interests, passions, or backgrounds are welcome to apply.

Community service can include any meaningful contribution that helps others, such as:

• Volunteering with local organizations

• Helping at school, church, or community events

• Caring for siblings or relatives

• Supporting neighbors, elders, or peers

• Participating in student groups or community programs We value service that comes from compassion, not just official volunteer hours.

No. You may attend any accredited college, university, community college, or vocational/technical program in the United States. Your choice of school does not limit your eligibility.

No. To ensure fairness, accurate recordkeeping, and timely review, the application process is fully digital.

Your recommender should be someone who knows your character, work ethic, or personal journey. This can include:

• Teachers

• Counselors

• Employers

• Coaches

• Mentors

• Community or faith leaders Family members may not write recommendations.

You do not need the CSS Profile for this scholarship. We only require a basic household and financial summary directly within the application.

Unfortunately, no. All materials must be submitted by the stated deadline. Extensions are not offered to ensure fairness for all applicants.

Notification dates will be shared when the application opens. In most cycles, awards are announced in the spring after all reviews and interviews are completed.

The number of awards may vary each year depending on funding and the applicant pool. Exact numbers will be announced alongside scholarship decisions.

This scholarship is currently awarded for one academic year. Renewal or multi-year support may be considered in future cycles as the foundation grows.

At this time, the scholarship is not renewable past the first year. Future renewal policies may be introduced as the program expands.

Yes! Email scholarships@lbpbecauseshecares.org with any questions. We are happy to support students throughout the application process.

Yes. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

No. Test scores are optional and are not required for consideration.

Yes. Students attending accredited community colleges or vocational/technical programs are fully eligible.

You will complete three short-answer essays (250–400 words each) on topics such as compassion, resilience, service, personal growth, or your future goals.

All essays must be written in your own authentic voice. Submissions created or significantly assisted by text-generating tools or automated programs will be disqualified.

Honesty, personal reflection, clear storytelling, and writing that sounds like you. We value authenticity over perfect grammar.

When completing your application, you will enter your recommender’s email address. They will automatically receive a secure link where they can upload their letter directly. You will be notified once the letter is submitted.

This summary includes:

• Number of people in your home

• Approximate household income range

• Parent/guardian occupations

• Any financial challenges (medical bills, job loss, housing issues, etc.) This helps us understand your financial need—no tax returns required.

Selections are based on:

• Personal essays and storytelling

• Demonstrated financial need

• Commitment to service or responsibility

• Character, resilience, and leadership potential

• Overall alignment with the mission of the LBP Because She Cares Foundation

No. The LBP Because She Cares Scholarship is open to all eligible students, regardless of gender. The name honors the compassion and legacy of Levester Boleware Palmer, but the scholarship itself is inclusive and available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria.

Semi-finalists may be invited to a short virtual interview before final decisions are made.

Awards may be used for tuition, books, fees, supplies, and other educational expenses. Exact award amounts vary each year.

Scholarship awards are paid directly to the college, university, or accredited program the student will attend. Funds are not issued to the student or their family. This ensures the award is used for eligible educational expenses.

After you submit your enrollment verification and any required documentation, the scholarship payment is typically sent before the start of the semester. Processing times may vary by school, but most payments are issued directly to the institution within a few weeks of confirmation.

Family members of current board members may apply, but they must go through the same review process as every other applicant.

Because applications are fully anonymized:

• Board members may review and score applications even if their own family member is applying.

• Reviewers cannot identify whose application is whose, which removes the possibility of favoritism.

• The board member never sees identifying details, and the committee cannot know which application belongs to their relative.

• The Intake Administrator ensures complete redaction so all submissions remain indistinguishable.

This ensures a fair, unbiased, and compliant process without needing to exclude any reviewer.