Scholarship Awards Program

About the Program

CDF's annual Beat the Odds program honors, celebrates and rewards extraordinary high school seniors who have overcome tremendous adversity to achieve academic excellence, demonstrate leadership in their communities, and aspire to attend college to continue their education.

Since 1999, CDF-Texas has awarded more than sixty college scholarships to outstanding youths in the Houston area. Many recipients have gone on to pursue advanced degrees and leadership positions in their communities.

The CDF-Texas Beat the Odds scholarship program now covers the Dallas and greater Houston areas.

Developing Future Leaders

In addition to college scholarships and public recognition, CDF invites winners to participate in continued leadership development, advocacy training and internship opportunities.

Raising Awareness

CDF-Texas combines the annual awards ceremony with a benefit to raise awareness about the condition of Texas children and the need for continued advocacy.

Celebrating Champions of Children

As part of the celebration, CDF-Texas has honored local champions committed to improving the lives of Texas children.

Past honorees include

Houston Mayor Bill White • Harris County Judge Robert Eckels • Elyse and Bob Lanier • Adele and Lan Bentsen • Charles Butt / HEB • Marilyn and George DeMontrond • Philamena and Arthur Baird

"My life may have taken a different route if it were not for CDF. A lot of kids like me who are wading in the deep waters of the foster care system are just trying to get out. CDF helped me realize there was more than just getting out. CDF helped me see myself going to college. I hope that one day I get the chance to start a spark in a child that will lead them on the "road less traveled."

-- Courtney Wyly, 2001

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