Houston Event: May 3 | Dallas Event: November 16

About the Program

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.

The application is currently open to high school seniors in Dallas, Houston and the Liberty County area.

Raising Awareness

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

As CDF's only annual fundraiser, the luncheon also raises needed funding to sustain the organization's onoging advocacy 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 a scholarship, leadership and advocacy training, a laptop, professional attire, and other supports from CDF.

Celebrating Champions of Children

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

Former Houston Mayor Bill White • Former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels • Elyse & Bob Lanier • Adele & Lan Bentsen • Charles Butt / H-E-B • Marilyn & George DeMontrond • Philamena & Arthur Baird • Barbara Best

Become a Sponsor!

Earn the greatest return on your investment by investing in children today.

"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 one day that I get the chance to start a spark in a child that will lead them on the "road less traveled."

-- 2001 Beat the Odds scholar, Courtney Wyly

View celebrations by year: 2011 - Dallas | 2011 - Houston | 2010 - Dallas | 2010 - Houston | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005