The CDF Beat the Odds awards program recognizes extraordinary young people who have overcome tremendous adversity in life to achieve academic excellence, demonstrate leadership in their communities, and aspire to attend college.

Each year, through a competitive review process, the most deserving high school students are selected for a CDF Beat the Odds scholarship. They are honored for their academic achievements and perseverance in the face of tremendous and often overwhelming obstacles.

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

Raising Awareness

The annual Beat the Odds luncheon raises awareness about the challenges facing Texas children and the need for continued investment and advocacy. The individual experiences and stories of the young people honored inform CDF's ongoing efforts to shape policies and change the odds for all children.

Hear the stories of past scholarship recipients

As CDF's only annual fundraiser, the event also raises needed funds to sustain the organization's continued efforts on behalf of all the children of Texas who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves.

Developing Young Leaders

To help ensure their continued success each student receives training in leadership development, advocacy and life skills including budgeting and money management; a laptop; clothing and college-life essentials; and other support including internship and summer job networking opportunities, in addition to their college scholarship.

Celebrating Champions of Children

CDF-Texas has been honored to work with and celebrate local Champions of Children committed to improving the lives of children: 

Philamena & Arthur Baird • Adele & Lan Bentsen • Tina Bentsen • Barbara Best • Katherine & Larry Buck • Charles Butt / H-E-B • Sarah Palisi Chapin • Marilyn & George DeMontrond •Former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels • Fossil • Friedman Foundation / Morton Cohn / Ann & J. Kent Friedman • GMAC • Jersey Mike’s Subs • Elyse & Bob Lanier • Pizza Hut • Regina Rogers • Pat & Emmitt Smith Charities • Former Houston Mayor Bill White

Become a Sponsor!

Earn the greatest return on your investment by investing in children today. Support the CDF-Texas Beat the Odds Scholarship Fund!

"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."

-- 2001 Beat the Odds scholar, Courtney W.

View celebrations by year:

Houston 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005
Dallas    2012 | 2011 | 2010