Scholarship program may benefit Texas-based online degree candidates

High school athletes may receive financial aid

Students who live in Texas and plan to pursue higher education at campus-based or online universities may consider apply for scholarships, such as the one offered by the Davey O'Brien Foundation.

The organization has announced five finalists for its Davey O'Brien High School Scholarship, which benefits students who have played on a varsity sports team in the state, Dallas News reports.

A selection committee will choose one winner to receive a $20,000 scholarship to help them pay for tuition at the college or university of their choice. The runners-up will receive $1,000 awards.

The finalists were chosen based on their academic achievement, involvement in community service, leadership ability, character and participation in one or more varsity sports.

All winners will be recognized on January 19 at the foundation's 3rd annual scholarship luncheon, where the grand prize recipient will be revealed.

Since its inception 24 years ago, the program has provided more than $480,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors.

Prospective freshmen at campus-based or online colleges may participate in similar financial assistance programs that can lower their risk of high educational debt.