Announcing New Scholarship for High School Seniors!
The PART Austin Angela and William Bracken Scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to two economically disadvantaged Latina/o high school senior students, residing in the Greater Austin area, to support students with a strong drive and potential who may not otherwise have access to continued educational opportunity. Eligibility requirements include enrollment in a trade or vocational program, community college, or four-year college or university.
Applications Deadline for the
high school seniors scholarship:
Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
TO APPLICANTS: Please, before applying, first read the detailed descriptions and requirements of each of the scholarships. Click on the blue button found further down.
Note that because these increases are only for the 2026 scholarships, this webpage will not reflect these increases.
The PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship (initiated in honor of Charles Wilson and Jeannie Hunter Hackett) of $2,000 is awarded to an outstanding Latin American undergraduate (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) student (female or male) enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin. Enrollment must be current with the date of application.
The PART Austin First Generation Scholarship (initiated by Gloria Mata Pennington) of $2,000 is awarded to a Latina undergraduate student only, (high school students or graduate students are not eligible), residing in the Greater Austin area, who has been accepted and is enrolled in a college or university in any year (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) of her undergraduate studies and who would be the first in her family to attend college and receive a degree.
The PART Austin Post-Secondary Scholarship (initiated in honor of Mitty Guerra) of $2,000 is awarded to an economically disadvantaged Latina undergraduate student only (high school students or graduate students are not eligible), residing in the Greater Austin area, for the purpose of completing her educational goals. Eligibility requirements include enrollment in a trade or vocational program, community college, or four-year college or university.
The 2026 Scholarships are open.
Applications deadline for the
students of post-secondary education:
Monday, March 16, 2026.
For questions about any of the scholarships, contact the Scholarship Chair at scholarship@austinpanam.com.
TO APPLICANTS: Please, before applying, first read the detailed descriptions and requirements of each of the scholarships. Click on the blue button:
2025 Scholarships Recipients
PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship
Marilia Gabriele De Melo Silva
BBA in International Business
Home country: Brazil
“After graduation, I plan to return to Brazil to make a difference in my community. I want to start an incubator to help small family-owned businesses, like my parents’, grow and succeed. … Being at UT Austin has truly changed my life, but it has come with sacrifices and struggles. Receiving this scholarship would not only help relieve the financial pressure that keeps me up at night but would also allow me to focus on finishing my last year strong and preparing to give back to the communities that shaped me.”
PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship
José Arce
B.A. in International Relations and Global Studies
Home country: Honduras
“As I continue to pursue my career aspirations, I would be honored to have the Pan American Round Table become a foundation in my professional development. I truly believe the Pan American Round Table could not only help me achieve my goals but also amplify my ability to serve others, particularly through educationally accessibility and development. I feel greatly privileged to be a student at UT-Austin, and plan to persist through the resting years of educational learning, and hope to perhaps not change the world, but create smiles among my community and other parts around the world.”
PART Austin First Generation Scholarship
Elena Alvarez
B.S. in Applied Learning and Development
University of Texas at Austin
“As a future educator, I have a responsibility to cultivate inclusive, equitable learning environments where students thrive. My classroom will be a space where students embrace who they are through linguistic inclusion, cultural acceptance, and the freedom to explore their identities. The PART Austin First Generation Scholarship would not only support my education but also help me fulfill my mission of creating lasting change in the education system—impacting the minds of future generations through teaching, advocacy, and policy reform that keeps doors of opportunity open for my community.”
PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship
Valerie Gavilanes
B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Pre-Med
Texas State University, San Marcos
“Watching my parents work as hard as they have, pursuing a higher education has become my top priority. I hope to honor their sacrifices by earning a B.S., and one day, I aspire to add “Dr.” before my name. … After earning my Bachelor of Science degree, I aim to continue my studies with a focus in Neuroscience, to gain a deeper understanding of the diseases that have profoundly affected my family and contribute to the field.”
2024 Scholarships Recipients
PART Austin First Generation Scholarship
B.S. Political Communication
Minor: Mandarin Chinese
University of Texas at Austin
PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship
Physical Therapist Assistant
Austin Community College
2023 Scholarships Recipients
PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship
B.S. Chemical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
PART Austin First Generation Scholarship
B.S. Mechanical Engineering
University of Texas at Austi
PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship
B.F.A. Performance and Production major with a Business Administration and Honors Studies minors
Texas State University
PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship
B.A. Journalism | B.A. Latin American Studies
University of Texas at Austin
2022 Scholarships Recipients
Charles Wilson Hackett Memorial Scholarship
UT Austin doctoral student at LLILAS, conducting research on the lives of women who earn a living as paid domestic workers in Colombia
Home country – Colombia
Jeannie Hunter Hackett Memorial Scholarship
UT Austin Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Latino Studies
Home country – Mexico
Gloria Mata Pennington Scholarship
UT Austin BS in Arts and Entertainment Technologies and
BA in Spanish
Mitty Guerra Memorial Scholarship
Bachelor of Arts
St. Edward’s University
Austin Community College – Nursing
Photo by Jaden Da
2021 Scholarships Recipients
Charles Wilson Hackett Memorial Scholarship
PhD in UT Austin Latin American Studies
Home country: Nicaragua
Jeannie Hunter Hackett Memorial Scholarship
UT Austin – International Relations and Global Studies (Major 1) & Latin American Studies (Major 2)/ French Studies
Home country – Mexico
Mitty Guerra Memorial Scholarship
UT Austin Bachelors of Science in Public Health
The First Gloria Mata Pennington Scholarship
UT Austin Applied Learning Development: EC-6 Bilingual Generalist Teacher Certification
2020 Scholarships Recipients
Charles Wilson Hackett Memorial Scholarship
Mitty Guerra Memorial Scholarship
Jeannie Hunter Hackett Memorial Scholarship
2019 Scholarships Recipients
Ricardo Velasco Trujillo – Charles Wilson Hackett Memorial Scholarship Katuscia Koch – Mitty Guerra Memorial Scholarship
Andres Miranda – Jeannie Hunter Hackett Memorial Scholarship
2026 PART Austin Scholarship
Descriptions and Scoring Guides
All PART Austin scholarship descriptions, requirements, and rubrics are available below.
All 2026 online applications open on:
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Application Deadline for college students scholarships:
Midnight, Monday, March 16, 2026
Application Deadline for high school students scholarships:
Midnight, Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Only current (2026 Spring semester) transcripts are accepted with each application.
_________________________________________________________________________
2026 PART Austin Angela and William Bracken Scholarship
The PART Austin Angela and William Bracken Scholarship in the amount of $2,500, is awarded to two economically disadvantaged Latina/o high school senior students, residing in the Greater Austin area* (i.e., Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, Pflugerville – for complete description: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Austin), who have shown determination in overcoming barriers and are in need of financial assistance to accomplish their educational goals.
Applicants must be Latina or Latino high school seniors graduating at the end of the current semester who have been admitted to and plan to enroll in an accredited technical, trade, or vocational school; an accredited community or junior college with certificate programs; or a four-year college or university. Any area of study is acceptable.
Requirements – Applicant must:
- Identify as a Latina/o.
- Be a current high school senior graduating at the end of semester.
- Be in financial need.
- Plans to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Attends a high school serving communities where financial support can meaningfully impact educational opportunity.
Required:
- A completed online application
- Current, certified transcript with GPA
- One current letter of recommendation (dated within 6 months of the application date) from a teacher. The letter can be uploaded by the applicant on the application – or sent separately by the author to: scholarship@austinpanam.com.
- An essay/statement (minimum 500 words). The required essay components and points are below (Rubric/Scoring Guide).
- Letter of acceptance from an accredited institution
- Proof of registration or enrollment before scholarship funds are released
2026 PART Austin Angela and William Bracken Scholarship
Rubric or Scoring Guide – Point system (30 points maximum). A minimum of 25 points is required for consideration.
GPA (5 points)
5 pts = 3.67 GPA or better
4 pts = 3.66 GPA – 2.7 GPA
3 pts = 2.69 – 1.7 GPA
Points:_______
Letter of Recommendation (dated within 6 months of the application date). The letter must be from teacher describing the applicant’s academic performance, ethics, family background, and character. (5 points)
5 pts = Comprehensive and knowledgeable description of applicant
3 pts = Somewhat addresses knowledge of applicant
Points:_____
An essay or statement (total of 20 points) of at least 500 words and must include:
- Description of barriers to education
- Description of needs and responsibilities
- Employment and/or financial needs and resources
- Career plans
- Description of barriers to education (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly and honestly describes barriers to education
3 pts = Somewhat describes barriers to education
Points_______
- Description of needs and responsibilities (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly stated needs and responsibilities
3 pts = Needs and responsibilities somewhat described
Points_______
- Employment and/or financial needs and resources (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly and completely shows effort and need
3 pts = Employment and financial resources somewhat described
Points_______
- Career plans (5 points)
5 pts = Clear and realistic career plans
3 pts = Career plans somewhat addressed
Points_______
Total Points:__________
2026 PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship
The PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship (initiated in honor of Charles Wilson and Jeannie Hunter Hackett), in the amount of $2,000, is awarded to an outstanding Latin American born undergraduate student (female or male). Qualified students are born in Central, South America, or the Caribbean, where the Spanish or Portuguese languages prevail: Mexico, most of Central or South America, parts of the Caribbean, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The eligible applicant must be an undergraduate student (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior) enrolled for the Spring 2026 semester at the University of Texas at Austin. There are no restrictions for the areas of study.
For applicants who do not meet PART Austin scholarship guidelines:
The PART Texas statewide website offers a list of scholarships addressing different qualifications, with different deadlines, dates, and requirements. Please see if you qualify here: http://www.partt.org/SCH_local_2020.html
For current dual enrollment high school students:
High School Students are not eligible for PART Austin Scholarships.
Applying for more than one scholarship?:
Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship. However, applicants are advised to carefully review scholarship qualifications to find the best match.
If an applicant decides to apply to more than one scholarship, they are required to submit a unique application for each one and address the specific scholarship descriptions and qualifications.
Previous PART Austin scholarship recipients:
Applicants must indicate if they have been previously awarded a PART Austin scholarship.
Required:
- A complete online application – one for each scholarship. Applicants are advised to carefully review scholarship qualifications to find the best match.
- Certification of home country. Only Latin American born students, from countries where Portuguese or Spanish is the official language, qualify.
- Acknowledge previous PART Austin scholarship awards.
- Current, certified UT Austin transcript with GPA. Download current, certified, UT transcript.
- Letter of recommendation. Provide one current (dated within 6 months of the application date) from an instructor or employer. The letter can be uploaded by the applicant on the application – or sent separately by the author to: scholarship@austinpanam.com.
- An essay/statement (minimum 500 words). The required essay components and points are below (Rubric/Scoring Guide).
2026 PART Austin University of Texas at Austin Scholarship
Rubric or Scoring Guide – Point system (30 points maximum). A minimum of 25 points is required for consideration.
GPA – verified with a downloaded copy of a certified, official UT transcript (5 points)
5 pts = 3.67 GPA or better
4 pts = 3.66 GPA – 2.7 GPA
0 pts <= 2.69 GPA
Points_______
Letter of Recommendation – (dated within 6 months of the application date). The letter must be from an instructor or employer describing the applicant’s academic performance, ethics, and character. (5 points).
5 pts = Excellent and knowledgeable description of applicant
3 pts = Somewhat addresses knowledge of applicant
Points:_____
Essay/statement (total of 20 points) of at least 500 words and must include the following information about the applicant :
- country of birth (0 points)
- cultural background; (0 points)
- description of journey to the University of Texas at Austin; (4 points maximum)
- honors received; (4 points maximum)
- sources of financial support; (4 points maximum)
- participation in campus or community activities; (4 points maximum) and
- career plans after graduation. (4 points maximum)
- Description of journey to the University of Texas at Austin (4 points)
4 pts = Excellent, complete description
3 pts = Very Good
Points____________
- Honors received (4 points)
4 pts = Excellent (2 honors or more)
3 pts = Very Good (1 honor)
Points_______
- Sources of financial support (family, employment, grants/scholarships) (4 points)
4 pts = Excellent, shows strong personal initiative and has support
3 pts = Very Good
Points_______
- Participation in campus or community activities (4 points)
4 pts = Excellent, shows strong personal initiative and/or leadership qualities
3 pts = Good
Points________
- Career plans after graduation (4 points)
4 pts = Excellent, reasonable, strong plans and clear personal goals
3 pts = Good
Points___________
Total Points:__________
____________________________________________________________
2026 PART Austin First Generation Scholarship
The PART Austin First Generation Scholarship (initiated by Gloria Mata Pennington), in the amount of $2,000, is awarded to a Latina enrolled in a college or university as an undergraduate student (freshman, sophomore, junior or senior – dual credit high school students or graduate students are not eligible) in the Greater Austin area (i.e., Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, Pflugerville – for complete description: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Austin). This scholarship is for a Latina first-generation student only. A First-generation student is classified as: 1) Neither applicant’s parents nor legal guardians have completed a bachelor’s degree; 2) Applicant’s parents/guardians may have earned an associate degree, have taken college courses, or be in the process of taking college courses; 3) Applicant is the first person from her family to attend a four-year college. The eligible applicant is getting the first four-year bachelor’s degree in her household/family, making her a “first-generation” student (even if a sibling is getting one, too). There are no restrictions for the areas of study.
For applicants who do not meet PART Austin scholarship guidelines:
The PART Texas statewide website offers a list of scholarships addressing different qualifications, with different deadlines, dates, and requirements. Please see if you qualify here: http://www.partt.org/SCH_local_2020.html
For current dual enrollment high school students:
High School Students are not eligible for PART Austin Scholarships.
Applying for more than one scholarship?:
Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship. However, applicants are advised to carefully review scholarship qualifications to find the best match.
If an applicant decides to apply to more than one scholarship, they are required to submit a unique application for each one and address the specific scholarship descriptions and qualifications.
Previous PART Austin scholarship recipients:
Applicants must indicate if they have been previously awarded a PART Austin scholarship.
Requirements – Applicant must:
- Identify as a Latina.
- Be a First Generation student in her family.
- Be enrolled in a 4 year college or university.
- Be a resident of the Greater Austin area (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Austin)
- Be in financial need.
Required:
- Complete online application – one for each scholarship. Applicants are advised to carefully review scholarship qualifications to find the best match.
- Acknowledge previous PART Austin scholarship awards.
- Current, certified transcript with GPA. Download current, certified transcript.
- Letter of recommendation. Provide one current (dated within 6 months of the application date) from an instructor or employer. The letter can be uploaded by the applicant on the application – or sent separately by the author to: scholarship@austinpanam.com
- An essay/statement (minimum 500 words). The required essay components and points are below (Rubric/Scoring Guide).
Scholarship Use:
- Tuition
- Required registration fees
- Mandatory academic program costs
Award Amount & Structure:
The Angela & William Bracken Scholarship is designed as a two‑year scholarship to support students during the transition from high school to post‑secondary education.
- Two students will be selected each year.
- Each recipient will receive $2,500.
- Year One funding will be distributed after proof of enrollment is received.
- Year Two funding is contingent upon successful completion of the first academic year and proof of continued enrollment.
Second-Year Funding Requirements:
- Successful completion of the first academic year
- Submission of an unofficial transcript or proof of academic progress
- Proof of continued enrollment for the following academic year
2026 PART Austin First Generation Scholarship
Rubric/Scoring Guide – Point System – (30 points maximum). A minimum of 25 points is required for consideration.
GPA (5 points)
5 pts = 3.67 GPA or better
4 pts = 3.66 GPA – 2.7 GPA
3 pts = 2.69 – 1.7 GPA
Points_______
Letter of Recommendation (5 points)
5 pts = Comprehensive and knowledgeable description of applicant
3 pts = Somewhat addresses knowledge of applicant
Points_______
Essay (20 points) of at least 500 words and must include the following:
- Description of background – family educational level, ancestry, and culture
- Challenges – family and financial responsibilities
- Resources – employment – other grants or scholarships
- Educational goals and timeframe – current and future plans
- Description of background – family educational level, ancestry and applicant’s ancestry and culture (5 points).
5 – 4 pts = Excellent (outstanding)
3 pts = Good (clear and complete)
Points_______
- Challenges – family and financial responsibilities (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly and completely shows effort and need
3 pts = Effort and need somewhat described
Points_______
- Resources – employment – other grants or scholarships (5 points)
5 pts = Clear and shows strong effort
3 pts = Shows some effort
Points________
- Educational goals and timeframe – current and future plans and a time frame for accomplishing them (5 points)
5 pts = Clear and realistic educational goals/plans and timeline
3 pts = Educational goals/plans somewhat addressed
Points___________
Total Points:__________
_________________________________________________________
2026 PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship
Post secondary education includes universities and colleges as well as trade and vocational schools. (This scholarship is for undergraduate students only.)
The PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship (initiated in honor of Mitty Guerra), in the amount of $2000, is awarded to an undergraduate Latina residing in the Greater Austin area* (i.e., Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, San Marcos, Pflugerville – for complete description: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Austin), who has shown determination in overcoming barriers and is in need of financial assistance to accomplish her educational goals. Applicants must be enrolled in a post secondary school. Dual credit high school students or graduate students are not eligible. Applicants may be enrolled in any year of study in an accredited technical, trade, or vocational school; an accredited community or junior college with certificate programs; or a four-year college or university. Any area of study is acceptable.
For applicants who do not meet PART Austin scholarship guidelines:
The PART Texas statewide website offers a list of scholarships addressing different qualifications, with different deadlines, dates, and requirements. Please see if you qualify here: http://www.partt.org/SCH_local_2020.html
For current dual enrollment high school students:
High School Students are not eligible for PART Austin Scholarships.
Applying for more than one scholarship?:
Applicants may apply for more than one scholarship. However, applicants are advised to carefully review scholarship qualifications to find the best match.
If an applicant decides to apply to more than one scholarship, they are required to submit a unique application for each one and address the specific scholarship descriptions and qualifications.
Previous PART Austin scholarship recipients:
Applicants must indicate if they have been previously awarded a PART Austin scholarship.
Requirements – Applicant must:
- Identify as a Latina.
- Be enrolled in a trade/vocational school, community college, or 4 year college or university.
- Be a resident of the Greater Austin area (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Austin).
- Be in financial need.
- Identify any prior scholarship award from PART Austin.
Required:
- A complete online application – one for each scholarship. Applicants are advised to carefully review scholarship qualifications to find the best match.
- Acknowledge previous PART Austin scholarship awards.
- Current, certified transcript with GPA. Download current, certified, transcript or enrollment certificate or proof of mastery (for trade and vocational programs).
- Letter of recommendation. Provide one current (dated within 6 months of the application date) from an instructor or employer. The letter can be uploaded by the applicant on the application – or sent separately by the author to: scholarship@austinpanam.com
- An essay/statement (minimum 500 words). The required essay components and points are below (Rubric/Scoring Guide).
2026 PART Austin Post Secondary Scholarship
Rubric or Scoring Guide – Point system (30 points maximum). A minimum of 25 points is required for consideration.
GPA (5 points)
5 pts = 3.67 GPA or better
4 pts = 3.66 GPA – 2.7 GPA
3 pts = 2.69 – 1.7 GPA
Points:_______
One current (dated within 6 months of the application date) letter of recommendation. The letter must be from an instructor or employer describing the applicant’s academic performance, ethics, family background, and character. (5 points)
5 pts = Comprehensive and knowledgeable description of applicant
3 pts = Somewhat addresses knowledge of applicant
Points:_____
An essay or statement (total of 20 points) of at least 500 words and must include:
- Description of barriers to education
- Description of needs and responsibilities (for children, parents, siblings, or spouse)
- Employment and/or financial needs and resources
- Career plans
- Description of barriers to education (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly and honestly describes barriers to education
3 pts = Somewhat describes barriers to education
Points_______
- Description of needs and responsibilities (for children, parents, siblings, or spouse) (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly stated needs and responsibilities
3 pts = Needs and responsibilities somewhat described
Points_______
- Employment and/or financial needs and resources (5 points)
5 pts = Clearly and completely shows effort and need
3 pts = Employment and financial resources somewhat described
Points_______
- Career plans (5 points)
5 pts = Clear and realistic career plans
3 pts = Career plans somewhat addressed
Points_______
Total Points:__________
Pan American Round Table of Austin 