The foundation's goal is to strengthen the state of Texas by identifying Texas high school graduates who have promise of future leadership distinction and assisting them in developing their future and the future of those around them. To achieve this goal, the foundation selects each year an outstanding group of Terry Scholars who are awarded collegiate scholarships for attendance at the University of Texas (Austin), Texas A&M University (College Station), the University of Houston (Main Campus), Texas State University-San Marcos, University of Texas at San Antonio, the University of Texas at Dallas, or the University of North Texas, or Texas Tech University.
Established in 1986 in TX - Founded by Howard and Nancy Terry out of a desire to help young people help themselves. The Terrys developed a growing desire to give back to the community and, specifically, to help young people to reach their goals in higher education. In 1986, the Terrys began considering a variety of options in their desire to make a lasting contribution to the future of Texas higher education. Knowing that universities are more than buildings and classrooms, the Terrys believed, in the long term, that a university is only as good as the educated citizens it produces. Thus was born a desire to invest in the students who would attend the public colleges and universities in Texas. After seeking counsel from various sources, the Terrys determined that their most lasting contribution would be through a perpetual endowment that would provide college scholarships for students who had demonstrated the capacity to become outstanding future leaders and who needed financial assistance to achieve their goals in higher education. From this simple concept, the foundation was created to be the source of a perpetual scholarship program.