OEC Scholarship Program

The OEC Scholarship honors the memory of Olivia (age 11), Edison (age 8), and Colette (age 5), who were taken too soon in a preventable house fire. We support students who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact — especially those who share our mission of fire safety awareness and tragedy prevention.

We work directly with St. Laurence Catholic School and other educational institutions to provide scholarship dollars that remove financial barriers and help children achieve their dreams. Our education programs combine academic support with fire safety awareness, ensuring that knowledge both empowers and protects.

We believe that education is a powerful tool for change. Through this scholarship, we're not just funding education — we're building a foundation of knowledge that saves lives today and creates opportunities for tomorrow.

To be eligible for the OEC Scholarship, applicants must:

• ✓ Be a high school senior graduating in the current academic year
• ✓ Plan to enroll in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university
• ✓ Demonstrate academic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA)
• ✓ Show evidence of community service or volunteer involvement
• ✓ Submit a complete application by the deadline
• ✓ Reside in Texas or the Greater Houston Area (preference given, but not required)

Special consideration is given to students who have overcome adversity, demonstrated leadership in fire safety awareness, participated in community fire prevention initiatives, or have been personally affected by tragedy. We particularly value applicants who share our commitment to protecting families and preventing the preventable.

Required Documents:

• 1. Completed application form
• 2. Official high school transcript
• 3. Two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher, one from a community leader)
• 4. Personal essay (500-750 words) addressing one of the following prompts:
  • How have you contributed to your community, and what impact have you made?
  • Describe a challenge you've overcome and what you learned from the experience.
  • How will your education help you make a positive difference in the world?
  • (Bonus prompt) How can education and awareness help prevent tragedies in your community?
• 5. Proof of college acceptance or enrollment (can be submitted later)
• 6. Optional: Documentation of financial need