Cy-Fair Educational Foundation to Award Nearly $1 Million in Scholarships to CFISD Graduating Seniors in 2026
In an inspiring show of community investment in education, the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation (CFEF) will award nearly $1 million in scholarships to graduating seniors across Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in May 2026. With a rapidly approaching deadline of January 9, 2026, CFISD students are encouraged to complete and submit their scholarship applications before the window closes.
Since its founding in 1970, the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation has made a lasting impact by awarding over $13.4 million in higher education scholarships to more than 2,500 CFISD graduates. These scholarships help provide financial support and encouragement to students as they pursue college and vocational goals—often opening doors that might otherwise be closed due to financial hardship.
A Legacy of Empowering Future Leaders
The Cy-Fair Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization, operates with a clear mission: to empower today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders through higher education. Each year, CFEF also contributes to CFISD staff development grants, with over $4 million donated to date—furthering its dual commitment to student achievement and educator support.
Scholarships are available to graduating students from each of the district’s high schools, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $32,000. Typically, up to five students per high school may be selected, depending on available funds. The number of awards and their amounts are determined by current fundraising success and economic conditions.
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What CFISD Seniors Need to Know
The scholarship application period closes on January 9, 2026, and all required materials must be submitted to each student’s counselor by January 23, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to visit the CFEF website for eligibility information and to access the application portal.
Selection criteria are based on a combination of academic performance (25%), leadership and extracurricular involvement (25%), and financial need (50%). The Foundation also considers personal challenges students may have overcome, making this opportunity accessible to a diverse pool of applicants. Some scholarships are tailored for specific majors, CFISD campuses, or participation in extracurricular programs.
Students and families with questions are encouraged to contact the Foundation directly at 281-370-0144 or scholarships@thecfef.org.
Investing in Tomorrow Through Endowments
CFEF continues to grow its scholarship offerings through endowed scholarships, which allow donors to create a lasting legacy in honor or memory of loved ones, organizations, or individuals. These endowments are invested, with a portion of the income used annually to fund scholarships while the principal remains untouched. Endowment levels begin at $20,000, and donors can tailor criteria to reflect personal values or interests.
An endowed fund must be fully funded within seven years to become active. Once activated, scholarships are awarded each year to eligible CFISD students, providing a perpetual gift of education and opportunity.
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Supporting Local Education in Cypress-Fairbanks
With CFISD’s continued growth—now encompassing 12 high schools, including Bridgeland High School opened in 2017—CFEF’s mission has only become more vital. As educational costs rise, the need for financial support increases, making community support more essential than ever.
Residents and local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting Cy-Fair’s youth by donating to CFEF or participating in fundraising events. Every contribution—whether large or small—helps build a brighter future for students in Cypress and the surrounding Houston area.
For more information on scholarship applications or donating to CFEF, visit thecfef.org.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
