Austin ISD recognizes students for academic excellence, leadership, and participation in district programs through a variety of awards. These awards celebrate achievement across grade levels, highlight top-performing students, and encourage both scholastic success and personal growth.
Awards are based on criteria such as:
- Class rank and GPA
- Participation in UIL or other district programs
- Special education achievements
- Recognition of historically underrepresented groups
Below is a summary of each award and its eligibility requirements.
African American Scholar Award
The African American Scholar Award recognizes outstanding academic achievement among African American students. Recipients are selected from a list of eligible students provided by the district. Campus administration selects recipients based on academic performance, including the top female and top male senior students, as well as the student with the highest GPA in each grade level. This award highlights academic excellence and leadership among African American students within Austin ISD.
Latino Scholar Award
The Latino Scholar Award recognizes academic excellence among Latino students across grade levels. Eligible students are identified through district selection processes, and campus administration selects recipients based on academic achievement. The student with the highest GPA in each grade level is selected for this recognition. This award celebrates scholastic success and leadership among Latino students within Austin ISD.
Recognized Scholar Award
The Recognized Scholar Award honors students in grades 9 through 12 who receive special education services and demonstrate strong academic achievement and citizenship. To qualify, students must rank within the top ten percent of their class group based on cumulative GPA or rank GPA at the end of the first five reporting periods of the school year.
Additionally, students must have at least twenty-nine percent of their overall coursework designated as TEKS-modified or be enrolled in two or more TEKS-modified courses during the current school year. This award highlights student dedication to academic success while recognizing individualized learning pathways.
Trustee Scholar Award
The Trustee Award recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement during the current school year. Recipients must be scholastically ranked within the top ten percent of their class group based on either cumulative GPA or rank GPA at the end of the first five reporting periods of the school year. GPA calculations for this award are based only on grades earned during the current academic year.
Students who receive an Incomplete (“I”) or No Credit (“NC”) grade during the eligibility period are not eligible for this award. The Trustee Award is separate from official class ranking, which is finalized at the end of each semester. As a result, students who receive the Trustee Award may or may not be included in the top ten percent used for automatic college admission reporting to Texas public colleges and universities.
U.I.L. Scholar Award
The UIL Scholar Award recognizes senior students who have demonstrated both academic excellence and commitment to extracurricular competition through participation in a University Interscholastic League (UIL) sponsored event. To qualify, recipients must be graduating seniors who are ranked within the top ten percent of their class. This award celebrates students who successfully balance rigorous academic performance with active involvement in UIL activities.