In the late 1990s, Chancellor Michael Ferrari and Dr. Cornell Thomas initiated the charge for a more diverse and inclusive TCU, emphasizing that diversity of viewpoints and experiences are essential for a true academic environment seeking to understand the world we share.Community Scholars was created in 2000, based on the conviction that everyone — regardless of race and economic status — deserves access to a quality education.
The program began with recruitment from six Fort Worth high schools. The inaugural class of 12 students completed their degrees in four years, and 11 went on to graduate school. The new Horned Frogs participated fully in campus life, creating new student groups such as the United Latino Association and the Asian/ Asian-American sorority at TCU.
After 20 years, more than 500 students have gone through the program. The number of Community Scholars has risen to as many as 50 scholars per academic year.
There are now 13 eligible high schools in both Tarrant and Dallas county, and funding has climbed from $1 million to $6 million annually.
Arlington Sam Houston
Dallas Lincoln
Diamond Hill-Jarvis
Dunbar
North Side
O. D. Wyatt
Polytechnic
South Hills
Trimble Tech
Dallas Carter
DeSoto
Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy
Young Men’s Leadership Academy
Beyond our campus
In keeping with TCU’s mission to develop global citizens, funding for study abroad has been added to the scholarship award.
The Community Scholars program is about so much more than providing an education for good students. These scholars are service leaders, enhancing the TCU experience for all Horned Frogs and fulfilling our mission by elevating the communities they touch.
Love of learning has carried Community Scholars to pursue advanced degrees in every state in the country. They have become professionals, educators and entrepreneurs. Alumni have returned to the North Texas area as lawyers, medical professionals, community leaders and school administrators.
Community Scholars is an investment in people and communities, starting with our own.