Madison Dorsey was aware of the large expenses when it comes to attending college.

The Crosby High School graduate knew about tuition and room and board. But as she prepares to head off to Northwestern University in a few weeks, she’s still working through the other expenses – big and small – that come with higher education.

So, while she stood inside the Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) Irvington Board Room, alongside dozens of other scholarship recipients from the Education Foundation of Harris County (EFHC), Dorsey couldn’t help but be thankful for her situation.

“I never realized just how much college in and of itself could cost, especially stuff surrounding college,” said Dorsey, who was among 37 recipients awarded a $2,500 EFHC scholarship and honored at a reception July 18. “Tuition can be expensive, yes, but there are also things like buying books, buying things to make my dorm room comfortable and other things like that.

“There’s a lot that goes into this and any amount that I can receive, I’m happy to take some of that burden off my mom.”

Through its partnership with the HCDE, EFHC has funded programs and initiatives directly impacting thousands of students. Among those are awarding scholarships. Recipients received their checks in hand at the reception and were able to visit with each other, along with HCDE leadership.

“I am excited to celebrate the 2024 Education Foundation of Harris County scholarship recipients. Each scholarship represents not just financial support, but a belief in the potential and dreams of Harris County students,” EFHC Director Trina Silva said. “It is an honor to work alongside our dedicated board members, who are deeply committed to supporting these remarkable young individuals as they begin their academic journeys. Together, we remain dedicated to continuing our mission of fostering educational excellence and opportunity for our students.”

Fourteen different school districts were represented among the 37 recipients. Destinations for the graduates ranged from local community colleges (Lone Star College, Houston Community College and Lee College) and four-year universities across Texas (Howard Payne University, Schreiner University and Texas State University), to trade schools and specialty programs (Culinary Institute of America and WyoTech).

Dorsey is one of three heading out of state and thankful for being selected for the scholarship. She also earned scholarships from her former dance team at Crosby High School and through a former teachers’ association. During a senior year that can be highly stressful, she said feeling that support from others is reassuring as she moves on to Northwestern University, just outside Chicago.

“It just reminds me that people like me can be successful because of the support we have around us,” she said.

Added Jarmese Roberts, Dorsey’s mother: “As a parent, a lot of the times you question whether or not you’re doing the right thing by your kid. But the fact that she’s been recognized so much this past year makes me feel good. I’m proud of the work that she put in because ultimately, she took the time to apply for scholarships, to stay No. 3 in her class, to apply to all the schools she wanted to get into and to do all the legwork.”

Scholarship recipients were each nominated by a teacher or counselor.

In the case of Jasmine Fonseca, she didn’t even know about the EFHC scholarship until a teacher encouraged her to apply. Linu John, a CTE teacher at Pasadena Dobie High School, actually pushed multiple students to apply and three – Fonseca, Beyonce Escamilla and Alexa Morales Acosta – earned scholarships.

“She’s amazing and I love her so much,” Fonseca said of John. “If someone wants to help me get there, it just lets me know that I can do it. People believe in me and that’s just a big push of encouragement.”

Fonseca plans to study nursing at San Jacinto College, which is not only cost effective but will keep her closer to family and support system. Her aunt, who Fonseca considers like a mother, joined her at the reception.

“This year has been stressful, so this is a big help,” she said. “My family is there for me, encouraging me and always pushing me to do more. And then to have my teachers pushing me to get there and see me cross the finish line makes me so grateful and so proud to have them in my life.”