The Haraldson Foundation's University of Texas scholarship program was established in 1992 from the estate of Ms. Beulah Mae Haraldson. Ms. Haraldson loved her home state of Texas, as well as one of its major universities, The University of Texas.
It was Ms. Haraldson's desire to see that young adults, attending primary and secondary schools in Texas, continue their higher education in Texas. She believed that her home state was losing much of its talent and leadership to other states because of scholarship opportunities. It was her dream to entice and encourage outstanding students to remain in Texas and to become the future leaders of this state. The Haraldson Foundation was created to provide need-based, endowed scholarships for the future leaders for her beloved Texas.
Since the first scholarship awards in 1995, over $1,800,000 has been distributed to students attending Texas universities.
Haraldson Foundation scholarships have provided funding for many outstanding future Texas leaders. Haraldson graduates have continued their formal education in graduate schools of law, medicine, and doctoral programs. Many Haraldson Scholars have broadened the scope of their educations to include international studies. One student was recently named a Marshall Scholar and was invited to study at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. Students have studied internationally through The University of Texas' Study Abroad Program in Denmark, Australia, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Other Haraldson Scholars have continued their public service activies through participation in the Peace Corps, Teach for America, and in social work. In many ways, each Haraldson graduate perpetuates Ms. Haraldson's commitment to community service, academic excellence, and leadership in Texas.