HGMS SCHOLARSHIPS

One of the main objectives of the HGMS is to raise awareness of Earth Science and Lapidary Arts education in the Greater Houston area. To this end, HGMS is pleased to offer four (4) scholarships that will be awarded in 2026-2027 academic year.

Three (3) HGMS Earth Science/Lapidary Arts Scholarships will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student with direct ties to the Houston area, and majoring in an Earth Science or a Lapidary Arts curriculum. The undergraduate applicant must have completed at least his or her sophomore year in a four-year college or university or be transferring into such college or university after successfully completing the course of study offered by a two-year Texas college. Graduate students can be either Master or Ph. D. students. Successful candidates will receive awards of $2,500 applied to their tuition. These scholarships are funded annually by HGMS.

The fourth scholarship is the Elizabeth Jean Smith Memorial Scholarship, with the same criteria as the HGMS student with the only exception being that it is open to any geology student attending a college or university in the state of Texas (no direct ties to Houston required). Elizabeth Jean was a nurse and Assistant Professor at the University of Texas School of Nursing. She was the wife of Art Smith, a noted mineral collector from the Houston area, who established this scholarship in her memory that is funded through the profits from the sale of his book The Mineralogy of Texas, available on demand at Lulu Press (The Mineralogy of Texas). The successful candidate will receive an award of $2,500 applied to their tuition. This scholarship is available when the total funds from the book sales reaches the award amount.

 

Please help spread the announcement of these awards to any student who may benefit!

DEADLINE FOR 2026-2027 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS IS June 5, 2026

 

Online scholarship form

Download the form in PDF: HGMS Earth Science / Jewelry Arts Scholarship

Scholarship Testimonials

How has the HGMS Scholarship helped you and anything you’d like to say to future recipients?

“Thank you, HGMS, for your support in my education."

“Receiving the HGMS scholarship played a significant role in alleviating the financial burden of my tuition, allowing me to focus more on my studies and independent research. The Houston Gem and Mineral Society Scholarship has not only supported me through my undergraduate studies but has also opened doors to exciting opportunities.”

“Remember, you miss 100% of the chances you don't take."

“I stumbled upon the HGMS Earth Science Scholarship through my professors and took a leap of faith by applying. It funded my final semester and propelled me toward my graduate studies in Hydrogeology. Don’t hesitate to apply – every bit of support counts.”

“I highly recommend applying for the HGMS Scholarship."

“Receiving the HGMS Earth Science Scholarship last June was a game-changer. It allowed me to focus more on academics and leadership roles, like becoming president of the Sam Houston Association of Geology Students. With the financial support, our club achieved big goals, increasing awareness of the geology program and building a vibrant geology community at SHSU.”