New Hawk Scholarship transforms UHCL student’s path to academic success

When Hailey Thomas first opened the email notifying her that she had received the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s New Hawk Scholarship, she froze in disbelief.

“I didn’t really know what to think,” she said. “My mom was freaking out because we’d spent hours during my senior year of high school applying to colleges and scholarships, so we were stoked to see that I received a full-ride scholarship.”

For Thomas, this moment marked the beginning of a life-changing journey. The scholarship was more than financial relief. It was an opportunity to pursue her passion for computer science without the burden of debt, something she and her family had worked tirelessly to achieve.

Thomas’ journey to UHCL began in high school. A standout student, she learned about the New Hawk Scholarship from her SAT trainer and a fellow Girl Scout who was already enrolled at the university. Encouraged by their success stories and the scholarship’s promise to cover tuition, housing, and more, she decided to apply.

Applicants are required to submit a 700-word essay and a listing of their leadership activities as part of the application process. An experienced essay writer, Thomas found the requirements fair and the application process “very smooth and easy.”

Her hard work paid off, and she met the rigorous criteria to secure her place among UHCL’s top scholars.

While the New Hawk Scholarship relieved the financial burden of college, Thomas still faced challenges transitioning from high school to higher education, especially after graduating during the pandemic. She credits two departments at UHCL for helping her adapt and succeed during her first year: Career Services, which provided resume assistance and equipped her with interview skills, and the Career Closet, which simplified the transition from student to professional. Student Success Center staff also played a vital role in her success, as they helped her during her first year as a college student.

Beyond academic and career resources, Thomas found community through UHCL’s more than 100 student organizations, particularly the Black Student Association.

“Being able to be around supportive, likeminded students was super helpful in the social aspect of college,” she said. “I’m so grateful for all our members and the students who played a huge part in making my college experience a lot more enjoyable and meaningful.”

The personalized support from UHCL faculty and staff also left a lasting impact. Thomas named Cassandra Heslep, UHCL’s associate director for Financial Aid, as being especially supportive throughout her journey as a student.

“Having the opportunity to just go and talk to Ms. Cassandra, seeing her around campus, and having her guide me through the financial process throughout the past three years has helped me tremendously,” Thomas shared. “I can’t thank her enough for all her support and help throughout my academic journey.”

Heslep, who has worked in UHCL’s Financial Aid office since 2017, reflected on Thomas’ transformation.

“To see this shy freshman come in my office with her mother and now to see her stand so confident makes me so proud of all her hard work,” Heslep said.

Thomas’ decision to attend UHCL was based on several factors, including the Computer Science program’s ABET accreditation, small class sizes, and the university’s proximity to her home. Receiving a full-ride scholarship was the icing on the cake. Thomas said the funds had a dramatic impact on her academic life, and she considers it both an honor and a blessing to call herself a UHCL New Hawk Scholar.

“This scholarship allowed me to focus on my education and grades instead of the financial aspect of college,” she said. “Being able to pursue higher education is incredibly important to me and my family.”

Thomas graduated in December 2024 with her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, debt-free and ready to leave her mark.

“Being able to graduate college without student loans and debt is truly a blessing,” she said.

Established in 2014 and funded by endowments, the UHCL New Hawk Scholarship provides funding to deserving freshman every fall semester. Scholarships range from full-ride awards – covering tuition, fees, books, and housing – to $1,000, ensuring that students with outstanding academic and leadership potential can access higher education.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of UHCL’s faculty and staff, the scholarship reflects the university’s mission to make education accessible. Over the years, it has helped dozens of students, like Thomas, achieve their dreams and graduate with confidence.

Applications for the New Hawk Scholarship are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 school year. The next application deadline is February 1, 2025. To learn more about the scholarship, visit the New Hawk Scholarship webpage.