Fort Cavazos Family Scholarship Fund has a rich history that spans several decades. Established as a 501c3 nonprofit organization in 1985, it originated from a desire to support military families through education. Originally a part of the spouses club, the organization recognized the need for an independent entity to enhance its ability to secure diverse funding sources.
The separation from the spouses club in 1985 marked a pivotal moment for the scholarship fund. This decision allowed the organization to break free from limitations and embark on a path of boundless funding. By becoming an independent entity, the fund gained the autonomy to seek out partnerships, grants, and donations more effectively, thereby expanding its resources to provide greater support to military families.
Since its inception, Fort Cavazos Family Scholarship Fund has been dedicated to uplifting the educational aspirations of young scholars and military spouses within the Fort Cavazos community. The fund has consistently worked towards its mission of offering academic scholarships to high school seniors as well as spouses of military members. This commitment has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals, enabling them to pursue higher education despite the challenges that military life can present.
One of the defining features of the scholarship fund is its outreach across six counties surrounding Fort Cavazos offering opportunities to military families in a wide geographical area. The scholarships provided by the fund are accessible to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including active duty personnel, veterans, and gold star families. By encompassing such a broad spectrum of military affiliations, the scholarship fund has created a sense of inclusivity and unity within the Fort Cavazos community.
A momentous change occurred in May 2023, when the installation’s name was officially changed from Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos. This shift in nomenclature was a testament to the evolving nature of military bases and the recognition of the individuals who have contributed to their legacy. In response to this change, the scholarship fund underwent a rebranding process that was approved by its governing board. The organization’s name was transformed into the Fort Cavazos Family Scholarship Fund, aligning it more closely with the updated installation name. As part of this rebranding effort, the fund also simplified its logo, ushering in a fresh era while maintaining its core mission.
Throughout its history, the Fort Hood Military Family Member Scholarship Fund, now known as the Fort Cavazos Family Scholarship Fund, has continued to stand as a beacon of support for military families. Its journey from its inception in 1985 to its rebranding in 2023 reflects not only its adaptability but also its unwavering dedication to empowering the educational dreams of the Fort Cavazos community.
Our Mission
The mission of Fort Cavazos Family Scholarship Fund is to empower the aspirations of the community by fostering accessible pathways to higher education. By investing in education, we endeavor to forge a legacy of empowerment, learning, and unity, fostering a community where dreams are nurtured and aspirations take flight.
Vision
At Fort Cavazos Family Scholarship Fund, our unwavering vision is to foster a brighter future by empowering the dreams of high school seniors and military spouses residing in the surrounding six counties neighboring Fort Cavazos. We are dedicated to igniting the flames of higher education aspirations, transforming them into reality through the provision of impactful educational scholarships. By investing in the academic pursuits of these individuals, we aim to cultivate a community enriched with knowledge, innovation, and diverse perspectives. Through our heartfelt commitment, we envision a tomorrow where potential knows no bounds, where aspirations are nurtured, and where the pursuit of excellence creates ripples of positive change throughout our society.
Values
- Accessibility: The scholarship fund aims to make higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their financial status, ethnicity, gender, or other factors.
- Merit: The fund rewards academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community involvement. Recipients should demonstrate a commitment to both their studies and making a positive impact on their communities.
- Empowerment: The fund seeks to empower individuals who might face barriers to education. It aims to support those who have the potential to become future leaders and changemakers.
- Community Impact: Emphasize the importance of giving back to the community. Recipients are encouraged to engage in community service or projects that contribute to social betterment.
- Financial Support: Cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
- Long-Term Impact: Evaluate the long-term impact of the scholarship by tracking the success and achievements of past recipients. This can help refine the selection criteria and scholarship offerings.
- Transparency: Maintain transparency in the selection process, criteria, and financial management of the scholarship fund. Regularly communicate with donors and recipients to showcase the fund’s impact.
- Collaboration: Collaborate with educational institutions, community organizations, and businesses to create a comprehensive network of support for scholarship recipients.
- Sustainability: Ensure the scholarship fund’s sustainability by actively seeking donations, grants, and partnerships. Explore options for creating an endowment to provide lasting support.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity by actively seeking applicants from various backgrounds and underrepresented communities, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Adaptability: Remain flexible and open to evolving scholarship criteria based on changing educational needs, societal trends, and emerging fields.
