In Texas, members of a local Masonic Lodge are part of a national organization of the Masonic Order, also known as Freemasons. In 1835, the first Texas Masonic Lodge, the Holland Lodge No. 36, was established, according to the Grand Lodge of Texas website. Since that time, the number of Texas lodges has grown to 914. As part of its philanthropy mission, a handful of Texas Masonic Lodges offer college scholarships to students in Texas.
Midlothian Masonic Scholarship Foundation
The Midlothian Masonic Scholarship Foundation offers several scholarships each year to graduating high school students in the Midlothian School District. Each of the scholarships awards differing amounts each year depending on funding raised through private donations, fundraising activities and endowed funds. Scholarship candidates are judged based on a combination of financial need, community service, academics and personal character. Scholarship applications are available through the student's high school guidance department.
Austin Lodge #12 Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors in the Austin area can apply for a scholarship from the Austin Lodge #12. The amount of the scholarship varies depending on funding and is awarded based on the student’s academic record, extracurricular activities and future goals. The scholarship application can be found online at the Austin Lodge website and must be accompanied by a high school transcript and 500- to 2,000-word essay describing why the student qualifies for a scholarship.
Norton Moses Masonic Lodge Scholarship
Open to Leander, Cedar Park and Vista Ridge High School students, the Norton Moses Masonic Lodge scholarships give away two to three $500 awards each year. Students must be graduating high school students to qualify for the scholarship. Scholarship applications can be found online at the Norton Moses website and must be signed by a high school counselor or principle and submitted with a high school transcript and 750-word essay on Freemasons in Texas history.
Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge #794 Scholarship
The Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge #794 offers three scholarships, one each to a graduating high school senior from Fredericksburg, Harper and Comfort schools. Funds for the scholarships are raised through an annual car show, and the amount of the scholarship amount depends on the funds raised each year. Students are asked to provide on the scholarship application a summary of their educational and career goals, financial needs and extracurricular activities.
Hill City Lodge Book Scholarship
Hill City Lodge in Austin sponsors an annual book scholarship open to graduating high school seniors and current college students. To qualify, students must be Master Masons, the family member of a Master Mason or involved in a Masonic youth organization. Any student already receiving book assistance from an employer or other source may not apply for the Hill City Lodge Book Scholarship. Applicants can download the scholarship application from the Hill City Lodge website.
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Lindsey Thompson began her writing career in 2001. Her work has been published in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "Member Magazine" and "The Ohio Journalist." You'll also find her work on websites like Airbnb, Chron.com, and USAToday.com. Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.