The TTEF grants are funded through donations and fundraisers, including the TTA online stallion season auction.
Edited press releaseThe Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund, which provides grants and awards to further the educational opportunities for children of Texas Thoroughbred Association members, has awarded $24,500 in grants to five students for the 2006-2007 school year. "The TTA has always been a strong proponent of education, and we are proud to be able to back that commitment with the financial resources to help young Texans pursue their goals," said David Hooper, the TTA's executive director. "This would not be possible without the generous support of the TTA board and general membership."In its first year, the TTEF awarded $10,000 in grants to two children of TTA members. One of those recipients, Megan Tracy, has been awarded a second grant for her sophomore year at Texas A&M University and plans to become a veterinarian.The other recipients are: Erica Bowling, who is currently completing her first year at Sam Houston State University and studying chemistry; Andrea Buchanan, who plans to become a dental hygienist and in the fall will begin her second year at Blinn College; Natalie Hillery, who has been accepted to four Texas colleges and is undecided on her major; Kenzie McPherson, who has been accepted at the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M University and will major in business management.In order to receive a grant from the TTEF, a student has to be a TTA member or have parents who are TTA members. Membership must have been valid for one year prior to the application deadline, and the applicants also are required to be full-time Texas residents during that year. Those interested in applying for the scholarship need not be pursuing careers in horse racing. Application information for the 2007-2008 school year will be available later this fall.