Eligibility. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. They must be high school graduates that are accepted into a two- or four-year college that is accredited by one of the agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The student may be either an undergraduate or postgraduate. However, the funds will be paid to the educational institution identified on the application and not to the student directly and not to an outside foundation.

 

Application. Download the 2026 Scholarship Application Form and open on your computer device. This is a "fillable PDF" that you can either enter the information on your computer device or hand-write the information. Applicants must respond to each of the sections in the application form and affirm that all information is true. All answers must be legible.

 

Essay. Applicants must write an essay of no more than 250 words that answer one of the questions. Both the substance of the essay and style of the written communication (construction, grammar, and spelling) will be considered.

 

Application package. The completed package must contain the completed and signed application form; the essay; and confirmation of acceptance into a two- or four-year college. Optional attachments may include examples of work in the area of study (such as articles); documentation of community service; and letters of recommendation from teachers and community organizers.

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Submission. Application package must be e-mailed to scholarship@sobatx.org by 5:00 PM on Wedesday, June 10, 2026, or mailed to SOBA, 1304 Monument Drive, Surfside Beach, TX 77541, and postmarked no later than 5:00 PM on Wedesday, June 10, 2026.

 

Evaluation. Each application will be evaluated and scored on weighted criteria established by the SOBA Scholarship Committee. Preference will be given to local students whose field of study will most impact Surfside Beach. The amount of community service provided to the Village of Surfside Beach and Brazoria County, and how well the applicants communicate the impact of their field of study on the mission of SOBA and the Texas Gulf Coast environment are additional significant criteria.

 

Selection. The successful applicant or applicants will be notified on or about July 15, 2026.

 

Scholarship Payment. The funds will be paid to the educational institution identified on the application and not to the student directly and not to an outside foundation.

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Additional Information. Requests for additional information may be sent in writing only to scholarship@sobatx.org.