Overview

The SDEF Scholar’s Empower Program – USA supports academically committed and community-minded students from Fort Bend County, Texas, who are pursuing undergraduate education in the United States.

The program is designed to reduce financial barriers to higher education while encouraging leadership, responsibility, and long-term academic commitment. Scholarships are awarded through Merit-Based and Means-Based pathways.

Scholarship Structure

  • Total Scholarships Awarded Each Year: 10

    • Academic Merit (5 Scholarships)

    • Financial Means (5 Scholarships)

  • Level of Study: Undergraduate programs only

  • Duration: Renewable for up to four years, subject to continued eligibility.

Award Amount

Total Award Value: Up to $20,000 over four years

  • Annual Award: Up to $5,000 per academic year

  • Scholarships are renewable annually, based on continued eligibility and academic performance

Scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the student’s college or university financial aid office and applied toward approved educational expenses.

Scholarship Categories

a. Scholar’s Empower Program | Academic Merit (5 Scholarships)

For students who demonstrate:

  • Strong academic performance

  • Leadership qualities

  • Active involvement in community service

  • All income levels are eligible to apply.

b. Scholar’s Empower Program | Financial Means (5 Scholarships)

For students who demonstrate:

  • Financial need

  • Motivation to pursue undergraduate education

  • Annual family income must be below $160,000

  • Completion of the FAFSA and submission of the Student Aid Report (SAR) are mandatory

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of Fort Bend County, Texas

  • Be a High School Junior or Senior planning to enroll in an undergraduate college program

  • Meet a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of application and throughout college

  • Enroll as a full-time undergraduate student

  • Demonstrate a commitment to community service

  • Complete the approved undergraduate program within four years of receiving the scholarship

Additional Eligibility Notes:

  • Students with a GED may apply if all other requirements are met

  • Home-schooled students are eligible with acceptable documentation

  • Students may apply before receiving final college admission (award is contingent upon confirmed enrollment)

  • ❌ Part-time enrollment is not eligible

  • ❌ Online colleges or programs are not acceptable

Required Documents

Applicants must upload the following documents through the scholarship portal:

  • Copy of parents’ latest Federal Tax Returns (including W-2 / 1099 forms)

  • High School Transcript

  • Completed FAFSA and Student Aid Report (SAR) (required for Means-Based applicants)

  • Two letters of recommendation (preferably from teachers or counselors)

  • Driver’s License or State ID

  • Current resume

Only applications with all required documents submitted will be considered.

Guidelines

Applications must be submitted online only through the official SDEF USA Scholarship Portal

  1. ❌ Paper or emailed applications will not be accepted

  2. Applicants must upload all required documents directly to the portal

  3. Only complete applications will be reviewed

  4. Applicants may apply for only one scholarship category (Merit-Based or Means-Based)

  5. The application portal link will be posted on the SDEF website once applications open

Administration & Selection

The SDEF USA Scholarship Program is administered by the Swami Dayanand Education Foundation.
Scholarship recipients are selected by SDEF Scholarship Administrators based on published criteria.

No external organization, donor, or Foundation trustee influences the selection process.

Scholarship Renewal & Continued Eligibility

Scholarships may be renewed annually for up to four years, provided the student:

  • Maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0

  • Remains enrolled full-time

  • Submits updated college transcripts each year

  • Continues to meet all eligibility requirements

Failure to meet renewal conditions may result in loss of funding.

Application & Technical Support

For assistance with the application process, required documents, or technical issues, contact:

📧 coordinator@swamidayanand.org

  • Subject line: “Application Support Needed” (general questions)

  • Subject line: “Application Technical Support” (system or upload issues; screenshots recommended)