New Braunfels Students Can Win Up to $25,000 in 2026

High school seniors in New Braunfels have something big to celebrate: local scholarships are offering their largest awards ever in 2026, giving students more opportunities to afford their dream careers.

The New Braunfels Community Foundation is rolling out expanded scholarship programs that recognize students pursuing all types of education. Whether a student wants to become an engineer, attend seminary, or learn a skilled trade, there's funding available.

The biggest prize comes from the GVTC Foundation's Ritchie T. Sorrells Scholarship, which will award one leadership-focused student $25,000. That's enough to cover most of a four-year degree at a Texas public university.

Another standout is the new Sen. Bob Krueger Public Service Scholarship, created to honor the late U.S. Ambassador and Senator who graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1953. It will give $7,500 to students who show civic leadership and empathy for others.

The Rafael and Mary L. Gonzalez Family Scholarship is helping 10 students who demonstrate financial need, with each receiving at least $4,000. The Downtown Rotary Club of New Braunfels is awarding five $6,000 scholarships to Comal County seniors.

Several scholarships specifically support career and technical education students, reflecting growing recognition that vocational paths lead to great careers. The GVTC Foundation increased its CTE Scholarship to $10,000 this year.

Students don't need perfect grades to qualify. Some scholarships require just a 2.5 GPA, and many prioritize community service, leadership, or financial need over test scores.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than help individual students afford college. When local foundations invest in young people, they're investing in the future workforce of their community.

Students who receive support often return to their hometowns as nurses, teachers, electricians, and small business owners. The GVTC Foundation alone is offering three major scholarships totaling $50,000 because they understand that educated locals strengthen the entire region.

Betty Taylor, Director of Communications and Donor Services at the foundation, encourages all eligible students to apply. Many scholarships go unclaimed simply because students assume they won't qualify.

Last year, the foundation awarded nearly $220,000 to local students. With increased award amounts and new scholarships added for 2026, that number should grow significantly.

Applications for most scholarships close on March 2, 2026, and must be submitted online at the New Braunfels Community Foundation website. Students can apply for multiple scholarships with similar applications, making the process easier than ever.

Every student who takes 20 minutes to fill out an application is one step closer to turning their goals into reality.