SIXTH ANNUAL NET RMA LINDA THOMAS SAFE DRIVING SCHOLARSHIP

For the sixth year, NET RMA is proud to present the Linda Thomas Safe Driving Scholarship to promote safe driving practices to Northeast Texas high school students and the community. Ten eligible students will each receive a $2,000 scholarship for college expenses, for a total of $20,000 in awards. The winners are selected based on the strength of their essays, academic achievements, and extracurricular involvement. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026.

View Past Scholarship Winners

Eligibility:

To apply, eligible students include:

Graduating high school seniors who have been accepted into a 2- or 4-year/university or accredited trade school and will be enrolled full-time by Fall 2026.
Eligible students who reside or attend a school within NET RMA’s 14 counties: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Kaufman, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Wood and Van Zandt.

Scholarship Application

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I have been accepted into a 2- or 4-year/university or accredited trade school and will be enrolled full-time by the Fall 2025.(Required)

Yes

Sorry, it looks like you don't meet the eligibility requirements. If you feel like this is a mistake, please reach out to [email protected].

My Information

Acceptance Letter(Required)

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Headshot(Required)

Max. file size: 50 MB.

County I reside or go to school in(Required)

Name(Required)

First Last

Student's Phone Number(Required)

Parent's Phone Number(Required)

Email(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Mailing Address (if different than above)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Name of high school(Required)

Name of college/university/trade school you will be attending by Fall 2024(Required)

Anticipated Major/Area of Study(Required)

Current GPA(Required)

REQUIRED UPLOADS: Resume, Essay, & Transcript (All uploads should be in PDF format; Max. file size: 50 MB.)

1-Page Resume that Includes:(Required)

Student’s First & Last Name
3-5 High School Awards/Honors/Activities
3-5 Community Activities/Involvement/Awards
Jobs held during high school
Name and email of school counselor

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

1-Page Safe Driving Essay (max. 500 words):(Required)

Suggested essay prompts:

Do you think driver’s education is helpful and/or what do you think would help make these classes more meaningful?
Do the safety features in new cars really help or are they more distracting? Is there a safety feature you wish cars had instead?
Analyze the benefits and potential drawbacks that technologies, such as driver-assistance systems, hands-free capabilities and smartphone apps, can have on safe driving habits.
Write a personal safe driving pledge outlining your commitment to responsible driving habits. Explain how you will promote safe driving in your community.
Do you think 16 is the appropriate age for people to get a driver’s license? Or should the age requirement be changed?
Do you think drivers should be required to take refresher courses/tests throughout their lives? If so, why?
What are some innovative road designs or features that can improve driver safety?

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Current High School Transcript:(Required)

If students have attended multiple high schools, a transcript from each school must be provided.

Drop files here or

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Eligible Expenses:

Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, room and board or for other items required by your college/university/trade school. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be provided with instructions and a disbursement form to claim your scholarship.

Timeline:

Scholarship application opens on Monday, Feb. 16 at 8 a.m. CT.
Scholarship application closes on Monday, March 16 at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Applications will be reviewed by NET RMA Scholarship Committee in early April 2026.
Winners will be announced by mid-April 2026.
Awards ceremony details will be determined by late April 2026.