High school seniors in Texas with a penchant for environmental activism now have a shot at $10,000, thanks to the Don’t Mess with Texas® Scholarship Contest, which is accepting applications for those who've led projects aimed at keeping their communities pristine. The battle against litter has found valiant warriors in the hearts of the state's youth, who are being recognized for their efforts to sustain and educate about maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
Supported by Ozarka and iHeartMedia, the scholarship is awarded based on the creativity and impact of each student's anti-litter campaigns, last year's winner Hayden from Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy in Greenville pioneered the Trashy Tuesday initiative where students gathered twice a month to clean up their school and local parks, while Neddah of Brownsville Early College High School in Brownsville, led her Environmental Club to conduct a litter survey develop a waste management plan and kick-start an on-campus recycling competition.
"It’s important that future generations feel empowered to create long-term, sustainable solutions to make their communities litter-free. Our state is counting on these leaders to keep Texas litter-free for decades to come," says Norma Rios, program coordinator for TxDOT's Don’t Mess with Texas campaign, according to the Texas Department of Transportation's announcement.
The scholarship contest is one facet of the broader Don’t Mess with Texas initiative, a program dedicated since 1986, to litter prevention through various outreach events including the annual “Trash-Off” and the Adopt-a-Highway volunteer program, this long-standing campaign continues to evolve, integrating the youthful vigor of Texas' students and their innovative approaches to maintaining the state's beauty.
Eligible Texas high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college, university, or trade school in the fall 2024 semester must submit their application online by 5 p.m. (CDT) on April 2. Further details and the application process are available on the Don't mess with Texas website. For additional inquiries, TxDOT Media Relations can be contacted at [email protected] or 512-463-8700.
