• Incoming freshman who have just completed high school as of Spring 2025 and plan to enter LU for the Fall 2025 semester
• Transfer students who have obtained an associates degree or completed a minimum of 60 degree plan credit hours
• Must be a Texas Resident
• Entering freshman must be unmarried with no children
• Must complete an application by the deadline in myScholarships and must demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA for the upcoming school year by the application deadline date of February 1st.

All students will need to be admitted before they can submit an application. Please follow the steps below to apply!

• Submit an admissions application for the 2025-2026 aid year on Apply Texas
• Once admitted, you will receive your LEA username and how to access your email
• Login to your Lamar University Email account with your temporary password to setup your email
• Must complete an application by the deadline in myScholarships and must demonstrate financial need by submitting a FAFSA for the upcoming school year by the application deadline date of February 1st.
• If selected, participate in an in-person interview

All applicants will be required to submit an essay, two letters of recommendation, and their most recent high school transcript

• Students must accept their award at myScholarships and complete the thank you letter requirement prior to the first day of class. 
• Incoming freshman who are awarded the Smith-Hutson Scholarship are eligible for up to four years, or 8 semesters of funding while obtaining their bachelors degree
• Transfer students who are awarded the Smith-Hutson Scholarship are eligible for up to two years, or four semesters of funding while obtaining their bachelors degree
• Register for courses - the program only covers fall and spring semesters. Some majors do require summer courses as part of the degree plan. Please discuss with the coordinator for further clarification.
• Register for the 1-credit hour required course by the Smith-Hutson Foundation
• Your semester funds, once enrolled, will show on your student account 10 days prior to the first day of class. 

• Must be enrolled in 15 hours each semester
• Must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA
• Must maintain a 2.0 semester GPA or immediate termination will take place
• Probationary periods are offered at the discretion of the foundation
• Cannot participate in a sorority or fraternity their first year on campus
• Must submit a FAFSA application every year and complete all requirements for Financial Aid by the February 1 priority deadline
• Must remain unmarried with no children (transfer students are excluded)
• Communication and cooperation with the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program Coordinator at Lamar University is required. You will be expected to check-in and meet with the coordinator throughout the semester to maintain good standing in the program.
• Must attend all Smith-Hutson Scholarship events
  • Formal fall banquet
  • Other events planned throughout the semester (no more than 3)

**All students selected to receive the scholarship will receive a handbook with guidelines to ensure their understanding and expectations of the program. Please consult with the coordinator if there are any questions or concerns about the handbook.

• Leadership opportunities
  
  • Smith-Hutson Council
    • The purpose of the council is the improve the camaraderie of the program and service the surrounding community with leadership and integrity.
  • PALs
    • The program values leadership, academics, service and community. The Peer Assistance and Leadership Program (PAL) is a tool for Freshman scholars to build friendships and establish connections within the scholarship program. We work with other campus groups to connect students and resources.
• Community service/events
• Specialized tutoring

The scholarship will continue to renew each year as long as all requirements are met. This scholarship will remain in place for a specific amount of time, based on the foundations initial award, or until the obtainment of your bachelors degree (whichever comes first).

You will need to reaccept and submit the thank you letter each academic year, prior to the first day of class each fall.