Application for Texas’ Largest Healthcare Scholarship Now Open — Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2026

St. David’s Foundation has opened the application for the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program, the largest healthcare scholarship in Texas. This opportunity offers up to $60,000 in financial aid to high school seniors from Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties who plan to pursue a career in healthcare.

Despite being one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, Central Texas continues to face severe shortages across nearly all sectors of the healthcare workforce. These shortages contribute to poor health outcomes and deep inequities in care throughout the region. At St. David’s Foundation, we believe that addressing these challenges requires a diverse, community-rooted healthcare workforce that not only reflects but also understands the people it serves.

St. David’s Foundation is committed to investing in healthcare workforce solutions that create strong, effective pathways for Central Texans to build financially stable and fulfilling careers. Through the Neal Kocurek Scholarship program, we invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals by providing students from Central Texas with both financial support and comprehensive wraparound services—helping to build a pipeline of healthcare leaders who will strengthen the health and well-being of our entire region.

In addition to up to $60,000 in financial aid, Kocurek Scholars receive:

• Free mental health counseling
• Tutoring and academic support
• Personalized professional mentorship
• A close-knit peer community
• Access to Foundation programming throughout their academic journey

The scholarship is awarded based on both academic merit and financial need, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to advancing health equity.

“At St. David’s Foundation, we know that investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals isn’t just about financial aid, it’s about creating real opportunities for students who have the passion and potential to transform their communities,” said Julian Huerta, VP of Community Programs at St. David’s Foundation. “Through the Neal Kocurek Scholarship, we are committed to nurturing their potential, uplifting their aspirations, and supporting them to become the compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals our communities need.”

Since its inception in 2005, more than 800 students have received scholarships to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, biomedical engineering, and other health-related fields. Learn more about our 2025 SDNK Scholars, here.

The Neal Kocurek Scholarship is funded in part by Toast of the Town, a spring series of philanthropic events hosted in private homes and venues throughout Austin. All proceeds raised through Toast of the Town are matched two-to-one by St. David’s Foundation to support even more scholars each year.

How to Apply

Students and families can learn more and begin their application at stdavidsfoundation.org/scholarship.

Deadline: January 2, 2026