The St. David's Neal Kocurek Scholarship

Getting ready for your college journey and dreaming of a career in the medical profession? If you're a high school senior in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, or Williamson county, the St. David's Foundation can help you on your way.

The Neal Kocurek Scholarship provides financial assistance, a robust tutoring program, wellness coaching, and mental health services; plus, you'll be paired with an accomplished health professional, who will mentor you throughout your college experience.

Meet some of the scholars and learn more about the program in this video, and click through to see if you're eligible!

"To be a physician was always my dream. St. David’s made it possible."
GRANT PIERRE, MD | 2008 koCUREK SCHOLAR

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

The Kocurek Scholarship is funded in part by the St. David's Foundation, but is only possible with the generous support of our gracious donors.

MEET MAYA PAYNE SMART

MENTOR SPOTLIGHT

Financial assistance is important, but being mentored by an accomplished professional in your field of study is priceless.

MEET THOMAS SUH, DPT, ATC

SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT

Alice Timugura's family moved to Austin from Kenya when she was very young. After graduating from Manor High School in 2020, she was awarded the Kocurek Scholarship and is now in her second year of studies at the University of Texas.

MEET ALICE TIMUGURA

Follow this link to apply, and follow us on socials for updates. Application deadline is January 8, 2021 at 11:59pm.

St. David’s Foundation Community Fund established the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship to honor the vision and community spirit of its longtime CEO. A natural mentor, Kocurek was an advisor to many Austin school superintendents and educators. The scholarships are awarded to students who exemplify Neal Kocurek’s leadership and commitment to community. Financial need and scholastic merit will be considered in the review process. We have awarded over 600 Neal Kocurek scholarships since the program’s inception in 2005.

Scholarships are for Health Care Studies at Texas Universities and Colleges.

Applicants must be a high school senior within Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, or Williamson counties
Applicants are accepted at an accredited college or university in Texas to pursue a degree in a health care related discipline*
Psychology or social work applications accepted for students planning to work in a medical environment
Applicants must attend an accredited college or university in Texas as a full-time student (12+ units/semester)
Finalists must be able to attend an in-person interview
Applicants must be a United States Citizen or a legal non-citizen resident
Applicants must pass a background check. There can be no conviction for violating any federal or state laws for alcohol or drugs
Financial need is considered in the application process. Proof of family income is required.

*Students pursuing veterinary and other non-human healthcare careers will not be considered

Am I eligible?

Scholarships are for Healthcare Studies at Texas Universities and Colleges.

Applicants must be a high school senior within Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, or Williamson counties

Applicants are accepted at an accredited college or university in Texas to pursue a degree in a healthcare related discipline. Note: students pursuing veterinary and other non-human healthcare careers will not be considered.

Psychology or social work applications accepted for students planning to work in a medical environment.

Finalists must be able to attend an in-person interview.

Applicants must be a United States Citizen or a legal non-citizen resident.

Applicants must attend an accredited college or university in Texas as a full-time student (12+ units/semester.)

Applicants must pass a background check. There can be no conviction for violating any federal or state laws for alcohol or drugs.

Financial need is considered in the application process. Proof of family income is required.

Applications for the 2024 scholarship will open in October 2023. Click here for more details »

About Dr. Neal Kocurek

St. David’s Foundation is pleased to honor the legacy of Dr. W. Neal Kocurek with a scholarship program in his name for Central Texas students pursuing health-related studies in Texas colleges and universities.Dr. Kocurek was a beloved civic and corporate leader who was passionate about the power of education and possessed a special gift of bringing people together to achieve progress in areas such as health care, public education, social equity, and regional stewardship.

Born in Austin, he graduated from Austin High School as salutatorian and earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He served St. David’s Health Care System as President and CEO for six years, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth and transition as St. David’s became one of the largest healthcare systems in Central Texas.Dr. Kocurek was deeply invested in the challenge of providing healthcare for the poor and addressing the root causes of health inequities in Austin. Even today, his reach is felt far and wide in Central Texas, through this scholarship program, the convention center that is named for him, and countless other projects.The St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship provides financial and academic assistance to graduating seniors who plan to pursue studies in any health profession at Texas universities and colleges. This program has empowered hundreds of high school graduates to take the next step towards their careers in health and helping to create a healthier future for Central Texas.

About Dr. Neal Kocurek

St. David’s Foundation is pleased to honor the legacy of Dr. W. Neal Kocurek with a scholarship program in his name for Central Texas students pursuing health-related studies in Texas colleges and universities.Dr. Kocurek was a beloved civic and corporate leader who was passionate about the power of education and possessed a special gift of bringing people together to achieve progress in areas such as health care, public education, social equity, and regional stewardship.

Born in Austin, he graduated from Austin High School as salutatorian and earned B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He served St. David’s Health Care System as President and CEO for six years, overseeing a period of unprecedented growth and transition as St. David’s became one of the largest healthcare systems in Central Texas.Dr. Kocurek was deeply invested in the challenge of providing healthcare for the poor and addressing the root causes of health inequities in Austin. Even today, his reach is felt far and wide in Central Texas, through this scholarship program, the convention center that is named for him, and countless other projects.The St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship provides financial and academic assistance to graduating seniors who plan to pursue studies in any health profession at Texas universities and colleges. This program has empowered hundreds of high school graduates to take the next step towards their careers in health and helping to create a healthier future for Central Texas.