The Texas Chess Association is now accepting applications for the Jim Hollingsworth Memorial Scholarship.
The Jim Hollingsworth Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of former TCA Vice President Jim Hollingsworth by recognizing outstanding young volunteers in the Texas chess community and supporting their educational pursuits as they become the leaders of tomorrow.
For this year, one 500 dollar scholarship will be awarded to the most deserving applicant. The recipient will also receive a Jim Hollingsworth Award plaque, a free Texas Chess Association Life Membership valued at 200 dollars, and preference for future committee appointments and volunteer opportunities within the Association.
Eligibility
Applicants must be current TCA members and Texas residents. Eligible applicants include students currently in 11th or 12th grade in high school, as well as students attending a college or university in Texas with a graduation date of December 2026 or later. There is no minimum GPA or chess rating required for this scholarship.
Applicants are evaluated primarily on their commitment to growing Texas chess, leadership, and service within the Texas chess community. Academic achievements and competitive chess activity may be considered as additional factors but are not required.
Application Requirements
Each application must include the following materials:
A high school transcript or college transcript if currently enrolled in college
A resume or CV
An essay of at least 500 words presenting an innovative proposal to elevate the future of Texas chess. The essay should be creative, practical, detailed, and written by the applicant without the use of AI
Applicants may optionally include up to two letters of recommendation from chess community volunteers, as well as newspaper articles, website links, or other materials related to their chess journey.
Deadline and Selection Process
Applications are due by January 31. The Recognitions Committee will review all submissions and make recommendations to the TCA Board of Directors. If necessary, finalists may be interviewed. The scholarship recipient will be announced at the junior chess meeting during Super State.
Award Distribution
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the recipient’s college or university and must be used by the recipient’s 22nd birthday. Prior to payment, recipients are required to submit an article on any topic for Texas Knights.
For inquiries, please contact
caleb@texaschess.org
david@texaschess.org
