Martinez Family First Generation Scholarship - University of Houston
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Center for Student Empowerment

Scholarships

Martinez Family First Generation Scholarship

Scholarship Program Overview

Rick and Barby Martinez met at the University of Houston while pursuing identical degrees. They both graduated UH in May of 1994 with Bachelor of Arts in History degrees with Secondary Teaching Certificates. Upon graduating, both began their teaching careers in Fort Bend ISD at Kempner High School in the Social Studies department. They married in May of 1997. After the birth of their first daughter, Rick left teaching and began a career in the automotive industry. Two more daughters followed along with five relocations in 15 years. In 2011, the Martinez family returned to the Houston area. All three daughters, Ana, Tessa, and Emma are graduates of Foster High School in Lamar CISD. Ana completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Production at UH, class of 2020. Tessa, a Tier 1 Scholar at UH, completed a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Secondary Teaching Certificate, class of 2021. Daughter Emma is enrolling as a sophomore at UH this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English as well. Rick and Barby are avid UH sports fans and can often be found in the stands cheering for their Coogs!

Scholarship Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be enrolled full-time at the University of Houston
  • Have attended high school in one of the following school districts:
    • Brownsville ISD
    • Los Fresnos ISD
    • Houston ISD

Criteria Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Be an active participant in First Generation Programming through the Center for Student Empowerment.
  • Be a full-time student taking at least 12 credit hours in the Spring 2025 semester
  • Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Selection Process

Recipients will be selected by the Center for Student Empowerment Scholarship Selection Committee.

Renewal Policy

This scholarship is not automatically renewable. However, past recipients may reapply each year for consideration.

How to Apply

Completing the application is the first step to being considered for the Empowerment Award. All required documentation must be submitted together.

All documentation should be turned in to the Center for Student Empowerment office located in Student Service Center 1 – Room 302. The information will be reviewed by the CSE Awards Committee.

Application Checklist

(All items must be completed and submitted at one time):

  • Completed Application.
  • Personal Statement.

How Scholarships are Awarded

  • A one-time payment of up to $1,250 will be awarded to each selected recipient for tuition, fees, and books.
  • The Awards Committee may adjust the scholarship award amount or the number of scholarships based on the status of the scholarship fund.
  • Scholarship recipients must provide proof of course registration before funds are granted.
  • Recipients will be selected by the CSE Awards Committee, whose decisions are final. All deliberations will remain confidential.

Notification and Recognition

  • Scholarship recipients will be notified via email.

  • Recipients will also be announced at our annual banquet and featured on the CSE website.

Application Deadline

May 5, 2025

Click here to apply