The scholarship program is open from March 1 to May 1, 2026.
(See below for instructions.)
History of the Eugene McCray Scholarship
Several years ago, in an effort to help fulfill the association’s purpose, TABCCM established the Eugene McCray Scholarship in memory of one of TABCCM’s founding fathers, the late Fort Worth City Councilmember Eugene McCray. The Eugene McCray Scholarship Committee (EMSC), composed of TABCCM members, awards at least 12 scholarships totaling at least $30,000 annually to African-American high school graduates and/or college undergraduates. The scholarship may be used for tuition or fees and must be used by May of the following school year.
Application Requirements
The EMSC determines the recipients based upon the completed applications submitted.
To qualify, an applicant must:
- Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on May 1st.
- Applications must be complete to be scored.
Additional, detailed requirements for current High School graduates and Post-Secondary applicants are located on the electronic application.
Applications are accepted from qualified students across the state.
List of Criteria and Required Documents - Download Easy Application Checklist
Qualified high school graduate applicants must:
● Have at least a 2.5 average on a 4.0 scale.
● Have been an active participant in at least two extracurricular high school activities.
● Have been an active participant in at least two church/civic activities while in high school.
● Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from officials of the church/civic organizations listed in the previous requirement. (NOTE: Letters of recommendation shall be signed and dated on official letterhead).
● Submit a letter of recommendation from a current member of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members.
● Submit a 400-word essay: Research a pioneer and explain how you plan to build upon their legacy in your own career. (See full prompt in application).
● Provide a copy of your acceptance letter from the college/university you plan to attend.
● Request from the Registrar or Counseling Office an official, signed, and stamped high school transcript.
● Submit a recent headshot/photo of yourself (to be used for promotional purposes if selected).
● Submit the completed application and all required documents electronically in PDF format via the portal on or before May 1st by 11:59 PM CST.
Qualified Post Secondary Applicants must:
● Have at least a 2.5 average on a 4.0 scale.
● Have been an active participant in at least one extracurricular college activity.
● Have been an active participant in at least one church/civic activity while in college.
● Submit one (1) letter of recommendation from an official of the church/civic organization listed in the previous requirement. (NOTE: Letters of recommendation shall be signed and dated on official letterhead).
● Submit a letter of recommendation from a current member of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members.
● Submit a 400-word essay: Research a pioneer and explain how you plan to build upon their legacy in your own career. (See full prompt in application).
● Request from the Registrar an official, signed, and stamped college transcript as documentation of successful completion of at least 12 hours in the past semester.
● Submit a recent headshot/photo of yourself (to be used for promotional purposes if selected).
● Submit the completed application and all required documents electronically in PDF format via the portal on or before May 1st by 11:59 PM CST.
In general, the committee will make their selection based on weighting in these areas.
Therefore, all information and signatures must be provided.
- Grades = 30%
- Essay = 30%
- Additional Requirements = 40%
INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE SCORED!
How to Apply
This year, all applications will be applied for and submitted through our new online portal. Once you start your submission(s), you can edit it as many times as you want until you hit the “Submit Entry” button. You will not be able to make changes after you submit your application. You will not be able to edit or post new applications after the deadline. If you have problems, contact Tristan at tristan@tml.org.
T.J. Patterson, Sr., Annual Golf Tournament
The T.J. Patterson, Sr., Annual Golf Tournament is the association’s largest fundraiser in support of this educational effort.
If you are interested in receiving more information about TABCCM, the Eugene McCray Scholarship, and the upcoming T.J. Patterson, Sr., Annual Golf Tournament, please contact Tristan Gideon, TML Affiliate Services Coordinator, at tristan@tml.org.