Our History

Yesterday

Rodney J. Kidd, former UIL Director and founder of TILF, planted the idea of giving scholarships to the academically talented when there were not many scholarships available to these students. Records indicate that the first scholarship was given in 1958 before TILF was formally founded, and was valued at $300.

To be eligible to apply for a TILF scholarship, students must have participated in a UIL Academic State Meet at least once during their high school career. Participation in athletic contests does not qualify a student to apply for a TILF scholarship.

The Texas Interscholastic League Foundation has given away more than $41 million since 1958 to more than 22,000 Texas high school students who have competed in the UIL Academic State Meet.

Today

During a typical academic year, TILF will disburse more than $1 million to over 500 students attending colleges and universities throughout Texas. TILF awarded 389 new and 253 renewed scholarships in 2025.

The TILF has over $22 million in endowed funds and receives direct scholarship grants each year of more than $600,000 from foundations, individuals and corporate sponsors throughout the state. TILF anticipates disbursing more than $1.2 million during the 2025-26 academic year.

Tomorrow

The Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to raising additional funds for the TILF Scholarship Program. No donation is too big or too small.