SDEF Scholar’s Empower Program USA

Empowering Students Through Education & Opportunity

The Swami Dayanand Education Foundation (SDEF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational scholarship support to deserving students in the United States and India. Our mission is to promote academic excellence, enhance access to higher education, and empower students to reach their full potential.

Through our Scholarship initiative, SDEF supports outstanding students pursuing undergraduate education in the United States, with Merit and Means-based pathways. A total of 20 scholarships are available under this program.

Application opens mid-February 2026.

Scholarship Programs Offered

Two scholarship pathways designed to support both merit and financial need.

1. SDEF USA Merit Scholarships - 10 Scholarships

Award: Up to $20,000 over 4 years (renewable annually)

Ideal candidates:
• Strong academics
• Community service involvement
• Leadership qualities

2. SDEF USA Means Scholarship - 10 Scholarships

Award: Up to $20,000 over 4 years (renewable annually)

Ideal candidates:
• Demonstrated financial need
• Strong motivation to pursue undergraduate education
• Commitment to growth and responsibility

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the criteria below:

Basic Eligibility

• Resident of Fort Bend County, Texas
• High School Juniors or Seniors planning to enroll in college
• Enrolling in a full-time undergraduate program in the U.S.

Renewal Criteria

• Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA each academic year
• Continue full-time enrollment
• Meet annual renewal requirements and submit transcripts on time

Academic Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA (on admission and throughout college)
• Demonstrated commitment to community service
• Must complete the approved undergraduate program within four years

Required Documents

Applicants will be asked to upload the following during the application process:

Academic Documents

• High School transcript
• Current resume

Supporting Materials

• Two recommendation letters (preferably from teachers or counselors)
• Valid Driver’s License or State ID

Financial Information

• Parents’ most recent Federal Tax Returns (W-2 / 1099 included)
• Completed FAFSA with submitted SAR (Student Aid Report) (required for Means Scholarship applicants)