Special to The Leader

AUSTIN, Texas — Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminded Texans applications are now being accepted for 2016-2017 Texas Match the Promise Foundation℠ awards on Tuesday.

The foundation, in cooperation with the Comptroller’s office, encourages Texas families to save for college by offering competitive matching scholarships and tuition grants to Texas students who are beneficiaries of a Texas Tuition Promise Fund® (TTPF) account — the state’s prepaid college tuition plan.

“During the 2015-16 school year, 62 students were approved for Match the Promise scholarships,” Hegar said. “We are excited about awarding a new batch of scholarships to the young people who represent the future of Texas.”

Fifth through ninth graders whose families have an annual income of $100,000 or less and who have a TTPF account may apply for the matching scholarships and tuition grants through Dec. 31, 2016. To be considered for a scholarship, students must write a career essay and meet other requirements. Complete details can be found at MatchThePromise.org or by calling 1-800-531-5441, ext. 3-7570.

Families also can enroll in TTPF during this time if they have not already done so. Get more information at TuitionPromise.org.

Match the Promise is funded by individuals who have donated the cash value of property held in the state’s unclaimed property program, as well as by donations from individuals, businesses and organizations and state employees through the State Employee Charitable Campaign. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt public charity and is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.