About the Mary I. Gourley Scholarship Foundation

We promise to be the support you deserve. 

We believe in your dreams and in your ability to reach them. We know you’re working hard day and night to improve your life and that of your family. We’re here to provide you with financial opportunity and to walk by your side as you pursue your degree.

Leadership

Our unique scholarship foundation is led by an Executive Director, a Board of Directors, and a Scholarship Committee.

Criteria & Partner Institutions

Our scholarship is hyper-focused on non-traditional students attending six North Texas partner institutions.

History

Our foundation is built upon a legacy of kindness, gratitude, and paying generosity forward.

Our Mission

The Mary I. Gourley Scholarship Foundation eliminates barriers to higher education completion at partner institutions by providing flexible, need-based financial support to students.

  • Every person deserves the opportunity and support to pursue higher education to improve life for both current and future generations.

  • Unlike the average college student, non-traditional students are typically older and have needs away from the campus that necessitate an ability to balance obligations of work and family with the demands of the classroom. Some may have physical challenges, while others may be working part-time, raising a family, or caring for aging or incapacitated family members.

    Financial aid is critical, whether it is in the form of academic scholarships or assistance to pay for childcare, medical bills, or even a bus ride to campus. The Gourley Foundation works closely with financial aid offices to distribute funds that meet the needs of eligible students.

  • The Gourley Foundation was established in 1988 in honor of Mary I. Gourley, a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, Texas. Moved by the generosity and passion her mother had for sharing her resources for the benefit of others, Frances Turrella and her husband, Frank, created an organization that continues to help non-traditional students achieve their dream of earning a college degree.

    The foundation provides financial support to supplement government and/or institutional need-based funds at area colleges and universities, including Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas Woman’s University, and University of Texas at Arlington.

  • Mary Gourley enjoyed sharing stories of the individuals she met on their journey to a future enhanced by educational opportunities and often, unknown to them, touched by her generosity.

    Financial aid is critical, whether it is in the form of academic scholarships or assistance to pay for childcare, medical bills, or even a bus ride to campus. The Gourley Foundation works closely with financial aid offices to distribute funds that meet the needs of eligible students.

    We are proud to carry on the tradition of charitable giving in the spirit of Mary’s kindness.

From a Former Recipient

“My family and I have received great comfort and strength through this scholarship. I deeply appreciate your support and all the good you do.”

Jayoung K.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our scholarship isn’t for everyone (unfortunately!), so we understand that you may have questions. Here are some common ones. Do you have another question that’s not answered here? Feel free to connect with us.

  • Gourley scholarships are for non-traditional students attending one of our 6 DFW-area partner institutions: Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas Woman’s University, and University of Texas at Arlington.

    Our scholarship students must have completed at least 24 hours and be enrolled full-time with a 3.0 GPA at one of our partner schools. They must be referred to our foundation via the partner school’s financial aid office. The scholarship recipients are also non-traditional students balancing the obligations of work and family with the demands of the classroom.

  • Unlike the average college student, non-traditional students are typically older and have needs away from the campus that necessitate the ability to balance obligations of work and family with the demands of the classroom. Some may have physical challenges, while others may be working part-time, raising a family, or caring for aging or incapacitated family members. 

  • Scholarship amounts are determined by the partner university and vary by school.

  • Yes, there is a short renewal application to continue to receive funds each year. Please request it from your financial aid director. 

  • We are only able to receive applications from students who are referred by our partner schools’ financial aid directors. You may inquire with your school’s financial aid office if you are interested in applying.

  • Every month, we mail your scholarship funds to your school’s financial aid office for you to collect.