SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS OPEN!

Applications are now open for the 2024 Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship®. Two litter-free high school seniors in Texas will earn money to attend college, trade school or a university in the 2024-2025 academic year. If you’re a Texas high school senior passionate about keeping our state litter-free, take a look at the information and apply now.
DEADLINE: APRIL 2nd

HISTORY OF SUPPORTING EDUCATION

Don’t mess with Texas has been educating Texans about litter prevention since 1986 and has awarded dozens of student scholarships since its conception.The Don’t mess with Texas Scholarship recognizes the achievements of high school seniors who have spearheaded environmental efforts to keep their state clean.

In 2024, two students were awarded a total of $10,000 in scholarships. Judges selected the winners based on the students’ proven results in leading projects or efforts focused on educating communities about the importance of our anti-litter message in the Lone Star State.

SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS

Ozarka Logo

Ozarka is a brand of locally sourced spring water which is bottled and sold throughout the Lone Star state. The company partners with non-profits and community partners to make sure everyone has permanent access to running water.

iHeartMedia Logo
iHeartMedia is the industry-leading audio company domestically. Its leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 860 live broadcast stations in over 160 markets nationwide. Through the company’s community outreach program, iHeartMedia streamlines philanthropic commitments to local needs.

    HISTORY OF SUPPORTING EDUCATION

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    Grand Prize Winner:
    Niva Maskey

    Niva Maskey won the contest for her exceptional commitment to environmental conservation. She founded and led the Green Team at her school, established recycling programs, and actively participated in the Adopt-A-Street program. Through these collective efforts, Niva picked up over 100 pounds of trash in three years.

    Her leadership extended to neighborhood clean-ups and raising environmental awareness. Niva’s proactive initiatives and dedication to eco-friendly practices significantly impacted community beautification and litter prevention.

    Niva plans to study Biology at Southwestern University.

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    Grand Prize Winner:
    Carson Wood

    Carson Wood earned the top prize for his remarkable contributions to environmental conservation and community beautification. He organized cleanups after Whitharral football games, spearheaded annual trash collections on HWY 385, and took part in various city projects.

    Carson's leadership in Hockley County 4-H and the Keep Levelland Beautiful campaign, along with his creative engagement of peers in these initiatives, showcased his dedication to maintaining a clean and beautiful community.

    Carson was planning to attend South Plains College and study Agricultural Business.

    WHO CAN APPLY?

    We are looking for Texas high school seniors who:

    • Attend public or private school, or are homeschooled in the state of Texas
    • Are planning to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the United States
    • Have developed creative anti-litter programs or events that have made a positive impact on their school or community
    • Can show the positive impact of their anti-littering efforts through reference letters from school or community leaders, school or community newspaper articles or news stories