Madd Hatta Cares Foundation Launched New Scholarship
Students at two Texas universities can win $5,000 for their education through a social media contest.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Madd Hatta Cares! Foundation has introduced a $10,000 scholarship program for students at Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University. Applicants must submit a creative video via Instagram to be eligible for one of the two $5,000 awards.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to support students in pursuing their academic and professional goals while honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The foundation provides financial assistance to help alleviate the cost of higher education for eligible undergraduates.
Eligible students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and submit a video no longer than 60 seconds. The program consists of a $10,000 total fund, with $5,000 awarded to a student at each participating university.
The players
Madd Hatta Cares! Foundation
This organization is a charitable entity established to provide financial support and resources to students pursuing higher education.
Benjamin Thompson III
He is the founder who launched the scholarship program to encourage student achievement.
Texas Southern University
This is a public historically black university located in Houston, Texas.
Prairie View A&M University
This is a public historically black university located in Prairie View, Texas.
The details
To enter, students must post an Instagram video detailing their dream, tagging @therealmaddhatta and using the hashtag #MLKHATTA2026. This contest is open specifically to students currently enrolled at Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.
Timeline
October 12, 2026 is the deadline for scholarship submissions.
October 26, 2026 is when the foundation will announce the scholarship winners.
January 16, 2027 is the date for the scheduled awards gala for recipients.
Culture Shift
This scholarship program aligns with the mission of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday to inspire academic service and community leadership among youth. It reflects a broader trend of leveraging social media influence to drive philanthropic support for higher education.
Eligible students must dedicate time to craft a creative video submission by the mid-October deadline. Participants should ensure their academic records meet the 2.5 GPA threshold before applying to ensure their entry qualifies for consideration.
The takeaway
Students should use this opportunity to clearly articulate their personal goals within the 60-second video constraint to stand out to the selection committee. By integrating creative storytelling with academic performance, applicants can maximize their chances of securing this financial support.
Further reading
Learn more about local financial aid opportunities on our Texas Scholarships page.
More information
For complete contest rules and submission guidelines, visit the scholarship contest information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DefenderNetwork.
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