For High School Students SCHOLARSHIPS
Dr. Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship | $3,000

Barbara Odom-Wesley, PhD, RHIA, FAHIMA, is a published author, educator and public servant who has dedicated her life’s work to filling the world with successful, educated professionals. She served as president of the American Health Information Management Association and Texas Health Information Management Association which further demonstrate her commitment to professional growth. Dr. Odom-Wesley, is the chartering President of the Xi Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and is an active community volunteer having served on numerous not for profit boards.
The Spirit of Achievement Scholarship honors Dr. Odom-Wesley for her commitment and passion for education and her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha. Dr. Odom-Wesley celebrates 56 years of service in 2023.
African American female high school seniors attending school in Tarrant County or Grand Prairie are eligible. This scholarship may be used at any two-year or four-year college or university. Trade, technical and cosmetology schools are ineligible.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.

Honorable Elzie Odom Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship | $3,000
Elzie Odom was elected mayor of Arlington on May 3, 1997. He was first elected to the Arlington City Council in 1990 after serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He served as the first African American Mayor from May 5, 1997 to May 3, 2003.
Born in Burkeville, Texas, on May 10, 1929, Elzie Odom grew up in Newton County and attended Prairie View A&M University before choosing a career with the U.S. Postal Service.
Former Mayor Elzie Odom was a champion for Arlington youth. During his six years as mayor, he never turned down an invitation from a school or youth group. During the winter break, he hosted “Meet the Mayor” visits for school children in his office.
In 2003, Former Mayor Elzie Odom retired from Arlington city government after 14 years of dedicated service. He resides in Arlington with his wife, Ruby (former first lady).
The Honorable Elzie Odom Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship was established to honor youth as a legacy to his service.
African American male high school seniors attending school in Tarrant County or Grand Priarie are eligible. This scholarship may be used at any two-year or four-year college or university. Trade, technical and cosmetology schools are ineligible.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Laura McDora Smith Memorial Scholarship | $3000
Created in memory of Laura McDora Smith, an ardent supporter of women’s education, this scholarship is awarded to a female graduating high school senior attending school in Tarrant County or Grand Prairie, planning to attend a historically black college or university who would not be able to attend college without financial assistance.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Florence Ellen McCall Hires Bartley Memorial Scholarship | $1,000
This scholarship, in memory of Florence Ellen McCall Hires Bartley, is awarded to an African American high school senior attending school in Tarrant County or Grand Prairie, planning to pursue a college degree in business, particularly with an emphasis in finance or accounting.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Mel Brown McGinnis Legacy Arts Scholarship| $1,000
Open to an African-American male or female student in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex who aspires to pursue a college degree in literary arts, performing arts, or visual arts. Acceptable majors include:
Literary Arts - English Literature, poetry, fiction, journalism, communications, speech, drama, creative writing
Performing Arts - music, dance, film, drama or arts which are performed for an audience
Visual Arts - Painting, drawing, photography, digital or graphic design, filmmaking, architecture
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Madelyn Opal McDowell Butler Servant Leader Scholarship | $1,000
African-American high school senior attending school in Tarrant County or Grand Prairie, Texas or a college student who graduated from a Tarrant County or Grand Prairie, Texas high school who demonstrates exemplary leadership, academics and volunteerism in the community.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Tamika W. Tutt Engineering Scholarship| $1,000
Open to African-American, graduating high school students who attend school in Tarrant County or Grand Prairie interested in the field of engineering. This scholarship may be used at any two-year or four-year college or university. Trade, technical and cosmetology schools are ineligible.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
The Clayton Law Scholarship | $1,000
The Clayton Law Scholarship is designed to assist students interested in a career in criminal justice. Graduating high school seniors planning to major in a criminal justice related field at a historically black college or university (HBCU) are eligible for this scholarship. This scholarship may be used at any two-year or four-year college or university. Trade, technical and cosmetology schools are ineligible.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Girl 2 Girl Scholarship | $1,000
This scholarship assists pregnant teens/ teen mothers continue their education beyond high school. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. It may be used at any two-year or four-year college or university, trade, technical or cosmetology school.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.
Dione Mitchell LeadHERship Scholarship | $1000
The LeadHERship scholarship was designed to recognize a female high school senior, who demonstrates leadership and excellence as exemplified through academic achievement, community service, and extracurricular activities.
Please see application for additional eligibility criteria.