Shaunte L. Allen
Adult Literacy Scholarship
Supporting Texas adults in achieving literacy, education, and independence.
Many Texas adults struggle with reading, writing, and speaking English, with about 19% lacking basic reading skills. Finding good jobs or reaching educational goals becomes difficult as a result.
Our scholarship helps adults improve their English literacy skills. Such support can help them attain a high school diploma, enroll in community college, or join literacy programs to improve their lives.
Application Period
October 1st - November 15th, 2025
Award Notification
December 1st, 2025
Scholarship Amount
$250 to $1,000 depending on your specific needs
Application Review
November 16th - November 30th, 2025
Purpose
The Shaunte L. Allen Adult Literacy Scholarship aims to help adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills. We want to help them get the education and training needed to find better jobs and become financially independent.
Recipient Goals
Successfully pass a high school equivalency or college entrance exam.
Use the library to access vital information, resources, and services.
Required Submission Documents:
Please submit the following:
Proof of Texas residency and age (e.g., scan/photocopy of a driver’s license or identification card)
Proof of income (e.g., scan/photocopy of tax returns, pay stubs, benefit letters, or bank statements)
One letter of recommendation
Scan/photocopy of your current library card
Personal Statement Video
Personal Essay
Feel confident using computers and the internet for everyday tasks.
Eligibility Requirements:
To apply, you must meet the following:
Be a Texas resident aged 40 or above (show proof of Texas Driver’s License or Texas Identification card).
Household income must be less than $40,000 per year.
Must not have previously earned a college degree.
Must be seeking to improve your reading, writing, or speaking skills.
One letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your literacy goals and efforts to improve (e.g., a case worker, social worker, mentor, librarian, religious leader, supervisor, or community leader).
Current library card.
Application Process
-
Fill out the online application form. A checklist is available to guide you through what you need to include.
-
Submit proof of income, residency, age, your library card, and your letter of recommendation.
-
Record a video (up to 3 minutes) on your phone or laptop. Please follow these tips for your video:
○ No professional or edited video is needed. Just speak from your heart.
○ It's okay if your English isn't perfect – we want to hear your story.
○ In your video, please state the following:
■ Start by saying your name and what you want to achieve with the scholarship.
■ Explain how improving your English literacy skills will help your family and community.
■ End by saying thank you for considering your application.
○ (If you are unable to create a video, a written response may be submitted as an alternative.)
-
To better understand the impact your local library plays in your life, please explain one significant way your library has contributed to your learning or personal growth, or how you plan to use its resources for your personal development.
-
Make sure all required materials are submitted by the November 15th deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on the following:
Need and Motivation
Demonstrated financial need and motivation to improve English literacy skills and further education.
Letter of Recommendation
Does the letter demonstrate your commitment to improving your English and achieving your educational goals?
Quality of Personal Statement
How clearly you answer the personal statement questions.
Feasibility of Educational Goals
Do your goals fit with the scholarship’s mission to improve English literacy and help you advance in the workforce? Applications will be scored fairly using a clear, consistent system.
Contact
If you have any questions about the application or need help, please contact us at
scholarship@allenlearnimy.com.
Disclaimer
No Guarantee: The Shaunte L. Allen Adult Literacy Scholarship does not guarantee an award to any applicant. Scholarship awards depend on available funds and the number of qualified applicants.
Eligibility Verification: All information you provide will be verified.
Data Privacy: Your personal information will be kept private and only used to review your application and manage the scholarship.
No Endorsement: Our scholarship does not support any specific school or program.
Deadline: You must formally accept the scholarship within 4 weeks of being notified (by December 29th, 2025). Accepting the award will involve signing an agreement about how the scholarship money will be used.
Payment: Payments will be made by electronic transfer or check between December 1st - December 20th, 2025.
Progress Monitoring: We will monitor your progress to ensure the effective use of funds.
Additional Resources: We will provide support and connect you with other community resources to help you succeed.
FAQs
Do you have questions about the scholarship? We have answers!
-
The Shaunte L. Allen Adult Literacy Scholarship helps adults in Texas who want to improve their English reading, writing, and speaking skills. It can help pay for a GED, community college, or trade programs. The funds can be used for essential items such as books, supplies, class fees, or bus passes to get to class.
-
You can receive between $250 and $1,000. The amount depends on your specific needs and the total scholarship funds available from donations.
-
You must live in Texas and be 40 years old or older.
The total money your family makes in a year must be less than $40,000.
You cannot have a college degree already.
You must want to improve your English reading, writing, or speaking skills.
You need a current public library card.
-
Your Texas Driver’s License or ID card.
An Income Statement showing how much money you earn annually (e.g., a pay stub, benefit letter, or bank statement).
A recommendation letter from someone who knows you well and can tell us why you want to improve your education.
A picture of your current public library card.
-
Yes, we ask for a short 3-minute video telling us about your goals. But if you cannot make a video, you can write your answers instead. In your video or writing, please tell us:
Why you want to improve your reading, writing, or speaking skills.
What you hope to achieve with the scholarship award.
How the scholarship will help you.
-
You can get a free library card from your local public library. Many libraries can give you one right away; just be sure to bring your Texas ID or Driver's License (call for hours of operation).
-
You will upload pictures or scans of your documents directly in the online application form.
-
You can email us at scholarship@allenlearnimy.com.
You can also ask for help at your local public library or an adult education center.
They often have computers and people who can help.
-
The application period is open from October 1st to November 15th, 2025.
-
We will announce the winners via email on December 1, 2025.
-
If you are chosen and accept the scholarship, payment will be sent to you between December 1st and December 20th, 2025.
