College Success Scholarship Application 2026

 

Requirements for TCGMF College Success Scholarship Applicants:

1. Applicants must be an African American male students enrolled in an undergraduate business or STEM degree program with junior or senior status during the Fall semester of 2026.

2. Applicants must be a native Houstonian or attend a College or University within the greater Houston Metropolitian area

3. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

4. Applicants must have demonstrated impactful leadership in community service

5. Applicants must upload a completed essay on the assigned topic in the "Essay" section

6. Applicants must upload an official transcript

7. Applicants must submit one recommendation letter from an advisor, mentor, professor, or community leader

 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Midnight, May 10, 2026

***Incomplete or late applications will not be judged.***

Essay Topic:

In the age of artificial intelligence, information and expertise is the most accessible it has ever been. However, for mentorship, human connection, and guidance, these are fundamental needs that cannot be replaced.

 

Write an essay discussing how you think artificial intelligence will reshape mentorship. Expand on how it can be leveraged to create stronger mentorship outcomes, but also what elements will remain important for mentors and mentees to focus on so that artificial intelligence doesn't become a hindrance or crutch to overall development. 

 

Essay criteria is as follows:

• Essays should be typewritten in Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins
• Essays should be double-spaced
• Essays must have a minimum of 750 words and a maximum of 1000 words
• Applicants must cite at least two sources in their essay 

AI Usage Guidelines:

1. Original Work Requirement:
   Your essay must be a product of your own original thought and writing. While you may use AI tools for minor assistance (such as grammar checks or brainstorming ideas), the primary content, voice, and narrative must be entirely your own work.
2. 
   Prohibited Use of AI:
   Essays that are predominantly or completely generated by AI without substantial personal input are strictly prohibited. Any application found to have used AI to entirely compose the essay will be subject to immediate disqualification.
3. 
   Verification of Authenticity:
   The scholarship committee reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your submission. This may include checks for originality and the extent of AI involvement. Misrepresentation of your work will result in your application being severely penalized.
4. 
   Declaration of AI Assistance:
   If you choose to use any AI tools during your writing process, you must include a brief statement in your application specifying the nature and extent of the assistance. Failure to disclose such usage may be considered a violation of these guidelines.
5. 
   Consequences:
   Applications with essays that are discovered to be completely AI-generated will not be highly considered and will be grounds for immediate disqualification. Partial AI assistance that does not compromise the originality of your work may be acceptable, but it must be clearly documented.

By submitting your essay, you affirm that it is your own work and that any AI usage has been minimal and appropriately disclosed. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to maintaining the integrity of the scholarship selection process.