The Thrive Scholarship Expires with the Spring 2026 Semester
The Amarillo College Badger Bound Scholarship Program begins for the Fall 2026 Semester.
How do I receive my THRIVE Scholarship?
- 1
Apply to Amarillo College
Follow the steps to Apply to AC
Apply to AC Now - 2
Complete the FAFSA*
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student AidStart FAFSA Application
- 3
Complete the AC Foundation Scholarship Application
Complete the AC Foundation General Scholarship ApplicationSTART ACF APPLICATION
What does the THRIVE Scholarship cover?
The THRIVE Scholarship Program pays your tuition, fees and books* for 60 credit hours at Amarillo College or 3 years of study at AC; whichever comes first.
*Eligibility for the scholarship is not based on family income. Whether your family's annual income is $1 or $1 million, all students that meet the criteria below are eligible to receive the scholarship.
Who is eligible for THRIVE?
Amarillo ISD graduates who...
What Students are Saying About Thrive
Thrive is for Scholars
Jaylynn Foreman
Thoughts on Thrive:
The money I saved by taking advantage of the Thrive program really helped me later on with some of my expenses at WT. Thrive really did pay for everything, which was a big weight off my parents' shoulders. Becoming part of the program wasn't difficult at all, the process was actually really simple.
Major: Education at AC: Secondary then Transfer to WTAMU to continue Education Major
High School: Tascosa High School
Thrive is for Transfers
Bryeton Cagle
Thoughts on Thrive:
At first, I was uncertain if I would be able to afford college, but the Thrive Scholarship not only made it possible for me to attend AC, but there was no catch at all; the books were taken care of, tuition was paid. I havent had to pay a penny; they have definitely taken care of me.
Major: General Studies
High School: Amarillo High School
Thrive is for First-Gen Students
Patrick Aranda
Thoughts on Thrive:
Its a really unique opportunity that takes the financial stress out of college; it let me forget about financial burdens and let me grow in my college setting.
I'm a first-generation college student. Some of my family members havent even completed high school, so I think for me and my family its important that I get this post-secondary education and break that cycle.
Major: Engineering
High School: Palo Duro High School
Thrive Works for Parents
Josiah Raab
Parents Jerry and Jennifer Raab: Thoughts on Thrive:
The Thrive Scholarship offers not only the opportunity for three years of education here, but the courses align exactly with public universities in Texas. Thrive is tuition free with all books paid for, and because of this scholarship weve been able to use the funds that we had set aside for Josiahs education to go to helping with his other future endeavors.
So, if your student wants to pursue a degree beyond what they can achieve at Amarillo College, Thrive is a great way for your student to graduate without an excessive amount of student debt. Thats the best gift you can give your kid.
We especially love that when he goes to pick out books at the bookstore, he doesnt have to choose a used or less-expensive book. He gets the best new books and he can choose to keep them; he doesnt have to worry about selling them back.
Major: Radiation Therapy
High School: Amarillo High School
Thrive is for Life Savers
Jorge Soriano
Thoughts on Thrive:
I didnt qualify for a Pell Grant, so I wouldnt be here without Thrive. It was a really simple process. The people who work in financial aid sit down with you and help you fill out the forms and, just like they say, everything is paid forits totally free.
Major: Paramedicine
High School: Caprock High School
Thrive Criteria
Students graduating in the class of 2019 or later must meet one of these criteria to be eligible:
- Students must reside in Amarillo ISD and be enrolled full time (on or before the last day of school in their 9th-grade year) and graduate from an AISD high school.
- Or students may reside within the northernmost 26-county area of the Panhandle and transfer (on or before the last day of school of their 9th-grade year) into, attend and graduate from an AISD high school.
- Or students can move from outside the 26 county area, transfer into, attend full time, and graduate from an AISD high school (at any time).
- Or students can transfer into, attend full time, and graduate from an AISD high school (at any time) due to a parent accepting a job related to an active AEDC Location Incentive.
If you meet one of the above criteria, you must also meet these requirements:
- Maintain continuous enrollment through graduation from an AISD high school once eligible enrollment in AISD is established
- Have an 80 or higher high school GPA or meet TSI college readiness standards
- Have never been expelled or placed in DAEP
- Meet minimum Texas attendance requirements
- Complete the three steps listed above
You will receive a confirmation letter from AC upon high school graduation from AISD once all these items are complete.
*Application required, regardless of eligibility.
