About Us

The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation*, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt foundation, was created in 1991 to provide college scholarships for Plano high school graduates who had persevered to overcome adversity. To honor Dr. Hendrick, the founding members wanted to offer a different type of scholarship, one that would focus on students who weren't able to reach their full potential due to ongoing adversity. Therefore, along with having financial need and the motivation to attend college, the primary criteria for eligibility is that the student has endured significant adversity.

Our scholarship students need help with funding their college education as well as emotional encouragement to reach their educational and life potential. Hendrick scholarships pay for tuition, fees, and books and helps to locate resources to deal with issues such as transportation, employment, or housing. Because of the nurturing needed by most of the students, continued involvement and mentoring occurs throughout their time in college.

Almost all of our students are "first generation" college students, meaning they are the first ones in their families to ever attend college. They therefore have no prior knowledge of the requirements of the processes and procedures typically involved with being a college student. We often hear these students say that they take very seriously the responsibility of being the role model for their siblings and friends.

In addition to the Hendrick Board and other volunteers, several community organizations have been involved by hosting fund raisers or providing gifts at certain times of the year. For example, Plano Sunshine Rotary and the Man to Man Ministry provide gifts cards and Bibles to students at Christmas. The Plano Rotary Club hosts an annual golf tournament which is a major fundraiser for us.

There are two part time staff members: Marcy Wilson, Executive Director and Lori Geer, Director of Development. All others involved with Hendrick are volunteers from the community. We encourage individuals and organizations to partner with us in this effort; there are increasing numbers of students with such acute need and we cannot meet their desperate requests for assistance without help from the community.

*Hendrick Scholarship Foundation was originally named the Hendrick Academy of Honor. In 2009, the organization was renamed to better reflect its mission.