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The 2025–2026 scholarship cycle will begin in early fall and continue for several months. Seniors will receive early access to a published Preparation and Study Guide, which contains all the required application materials.

After submitting a completed Eligibility Application, students will be matched with scholarships for which they qualify. They can then choose which scholarships to apply for, complete any remaining requirements, and submit their applications.

Counselors will verify each student’s academic information before applications move into a blind review and scoring process. Reviews are conducted by ISF volunteers who are over 21 years of age, are not related to any current scholarship applicant, and adhere to strict privacy and non-disclosure policies.

Donors and designated sponsors then review the applications, scores, academic records, and essays before ranking scholarship recipients. Final selections are confirmed by ISF, with recipients announced in early 2026.

Recipients are required to attend a Student Training, where they will learn how to claim their scholarship funds, be officially recognized as recipients, and have the opportunity to meet and thank their donors. They are also honored alongside their donors, educators, and the community at Breakfast with the Stars, an Irving Schools Foundation signature event.

ISF scholarships are first-dollar scholarships, meaning they are applied before last-dollar aid when colleges calculate financial assistance and tuition costs. Whenever possible, funds are disbursed in full, with most scholarships applied during the student’s first semester of college and paid directly to the institution.

It is the scholar’s responsibility to report the scholarship, coordinate payment with the school’s business office, and remain compliant with programs such as FAFSA, Dallas County Promise, and other applicable financial aid programs.

Scholars may receive up to three Irving Schools Foundation scholarships and have 18 months to claim their funds unless a deferral for special circumstances is requested and approved each semester. Scholars are responsible for submitting and maintaining documentation for deferral requests, fund claims, and disbursements.

The only exceptions are scholarships that are contractually awarded in semester or annual installments. While some ISF scholarships cover tuition only, most may also be used for approved educational expenses such as textbooks, meals and housing, course supplies, and other eligible costs.

All scholarship funds are paid directly to the student’s school, regardless of the expense type. Personal reimbursements are not provided, and any unclaimed or expired funds are returned to the Foundation.