Apply Now GSP

Application will open August 2026 – 

Gulf Scholars Program

The Gulf Scholars Program (GSP) is an interdisciplinary initiative designed to prepare the next generation of civic-minded leaders who are ready to tackle pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the Gulf Region.

Through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and impact-driven projects, students engage deeply with the Gulf’s unique communities and ecosystems while developing career-ready skills.

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) and Lone Star College (LSC) are proud partners in the GSP, offering students from both institutions the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead through this regional initiative.

Student Eligibility

• The SHSU-LSC GSP is open to undergraduate students from all different academic disciplines. We are looking for students that have a passion for learning and working on a myriad of issues facing East Texas and the Gulf Region.
• SHSU students must be juniors (60 credit hours completed after Fall 2026) that intend to graduate no earlier than May 2028.
  • Exceptional sophomores may be considered depending on the number of applicants.
• Lone Star College applicants must have at least 30 credit hours completed after Fall 2026 with the intent to apply to SHSU for Spring (January) 2027 Admission.
  • Note that LSC students may continue taking LSC courses in 2027, but they need to have an SHSU profile to complete the certificate courses.
  • Exceptional freshmen students may be considered depending on the number of LSC applicants.
• A 2.75 overall/cumulative GPA.
• Please note that students must complete the GSP Certificate and all program requirements to be eligible for the full $3,000 stipend.
• Upon completion of the GSP Certificate, students will be asked to mentor the following year's (2028) cohort and can earn an additional $1,000 stipend.
• Upon acceptance, students will be asked to sign a code of conduct.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 @ 11:59 pm
• GSP Steering Committee's Goal to Select and Notify Candidates: Week of October 12, 2026
• Applicants must be available to complete the following:
  • GSP Seminar Course: Spring 2027 (January - May).
  • GSP Field Course: May minimester 2027 (May 7 - May 25, 2027).
    • NOTE: Please plan for Full Days of Fieldwork (8 am-6 pm) Monday through Friday and on some weekends. 
  • Community-based Internship (Summer 2027).

Application Requirements

• Please note that the application form cannot be saved. It all needs to be completed at one time.
• In addition to basic identifying and academic information (e.g., name, major, GPA, etc.) applicants need to have prepared the following:
  • A 300-word essay answering, "Why are you interested in the GSP program? How will it benefit your aspirations/goals?"
  • A 100-word essay answering, "How comfortable are you working with and/or traveling with groups? Please explain any challenges you’ve had with group work."
  • A 100-word essay on, "How many hours are you expecting to dedicate to the GSP program weekly beginning Spring 2027 through Summer 2027? If chosen, how will you prioritize the GSP requirements?"
  • A 100-word essay answering, "What internship, companies, or organizations would you be interested in working with?"
  • Please look at the "GSP Steering Committee" page to identify one or two mentors you are interested in working with. You will need to select their name(s) in the application and write 100 words about why you are interested in working with them.
  • Full name and email for a college/university faculty staff member to serve as a reference and/or provide a letter of recommendation.
• Please only select the "Apply Now" button below if you are ready to complete the full form based on the above requirements.