IMPORTANT: Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The application period will close either Tuesday, June 30 at 11:59 pm OR once 125 applications are received, whichever occurs first. It is not guaranteed that the application will remain open until Tuesday, June 30 as the application will close if 125 applications are submitted before then.

Requirements to Apply:

Applicant must be a previous recipient of the Houston Rockets Scholarship OR a graduating/recently graduated high school senior (Class of 2026) from one of the following high schools in the Greater Houston area:

Applicant must also meet the following requirements:

• Minimum cumulative GPA to apply: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted)
  • Students with a GPA of 2.99 or below are not eligible.
  • Please review this guide for instructions on converting your GPA to a 4.0 scale. GPA should be rounded to two decimal points.
• Must plan to attend an accredited 4-year college/university or 2-year community college in the Greater Houston area 
  • A list of eligible colleges in the Greater Houston area can be found here: Eligible Colleges for Houston Rockets Scholarship
  • Trade schools not considered eligible for this scholarship program
• Must demonstrate financial need

About the Scholarship Award:

This is a renewable scholarship, meaning recipients can renew the award and claim multiple years of funding if they meet the GPA and enrollment requirements and complete the renewal application for each academic year they plan to be enrolled.

• Renewal Durations - The scholarship is renewable for the following durations:
  • 2-Year Degree – Renewable for 1 year after original award (up to 2 years of funding total)
  • 4-Year Degree – Renewable for 3 years after original award (up to 4 years of funding total)
  • Previous Scholarship Recipients – Renewable for the years remaining until graduation (2 years for Class of 2024 and 3 years for Class of 2025)
    
    
• Award Amounts - Multiple award recipients expected for the upcoming year. 
  • This scholarship is for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.
  • Award amounts vary by college/degree type:
    • $5,000 for 2-Year Colleges/Degrees (up to $10,000 total across two years)
    • $10,000 for 4-Year Colleges/Degrees (up to $40,000 total across four years)
      
      
• What can the scholarship be used for?
  • The scholarship will be mailed directly to the student's college to be used towards tuition, required academic fees, and/or book expenses. 
  • Scholarship funding cannot be distributed directly to the student. Funding cannot be used for room and board, rent, meal plans, parking passes, or other similar living expenses.
    
    
• Are there any requirements I must meet if I'm selected as a scholarship recipient?
  • Recipients must attend an accredited 4-year college/university or 2-year community college in the Greater Houston area.
    
  • Recipients must enroll in at least 12 credit hours for both the fall and spring semesters (or be enrolled full-time according to your school if it is on a different system).
  • Recipients must submit college enrollment information online through GHCF Scholar the summer before the academic year begins. This information is required in order for the scholarship check to be mailed to the student's college. Instructions will be included in the student's award letter.
  • Recipients must meet certain criteria in order to receive subsequent annual awards (i.e., renewals): maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester, and complete the renewal application for each academic year they planned to be enrolled.

What Is Needed for This Application?

• Eligibility questions based on the criteria above
• One essay response (see below for essay prompts)
• Transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
• Education information
• Financial information
• Resume (involvement in activities and service)

Essay Prompts

• In the application, you will select one (1) of the three essay prompts to respond to. Essay should be between 200-300 words. 
• Refer to the essay prompt options below to prepare for the application:
  • The Houston Rockets value the importance of giving back to the community through service, education, and empowerment.
    Share about a time when you contributed to your community or helped another in need. What did you learn from the experience, and how will you take that experience into your future?
    
    
  • As a team, the Houston Rockets must work hard together to achieve their overall goal of winning each game.
    Reflect on a time when you had to collaborate with others to accomplish a common goal. What did you learn about teamwork and cooperation through this experience?
    
    
  • Playing in the NBA is not easy, and Houston Rockets players must deal with challenges and setbacks throughout their careers. In fact, we are all faced with challenges throughout our lives.
    Share about a time when you experienced a challenge or setback. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn that will help prepare you in the future?

Language Considerations:

• This application is offered in both English and Spanish.
• To view your application in Spanish, click the "EN" dropdown button in the top right corner of the screen and select "Español".
• You may toggle between English and Spanish while filling out your application.