History of the Scholarship
Stelos Alliance Board Member Nathan McDaniel received an internship at the Austin Capitol his senior year of college at Texas State. The capitol internships are few and far between and very reputable. However, there is a financial hardship associated with the internship since there is little to no compensation for time and travel. As such, Nathan McDaniel and Co-Chair Vanessa Cortez Tanner decided to launch The Capitol Cats Internship Fund and award the first internships in 2023.
The Capitol Cats internship program seeks to promote opportunities for Texas State University students to intern at the Texas Capitol during a legislative session.
Working hand-in-hand with alumni, our goal is to provide students with a meaningful policy-focused experience that will enhance their college and professional career.
Students will gain knowledge and insight into the inner workings of the Texas legislative process all the while receiving financial assistance through this program.
Must have secured an internship for the 88th Legislative Session
Student must demonstrate a high quality of character and leadership skills
The Scholarship shall be presented annually at the Stelos Alliance Scholarship Awards Banquet. The time and place are to be determined by Stelos Alliance but will be in San Marcos, TX.
Beginning in 2026, Clinton B. Morris will fund a $4,000 annual scholarship for the next five years recognizing an outstanding senior in the Texas State Construction Science & Management Program. The award honors a graduating senior with strong potential in the construction industry.
In 2026, friends, family, and alumni partnered with the Stelos Alliance to establish a scholarship for the Eta Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, recognizing undergraduate brothers who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and pride in their chapter and Texas State University.
The Bustillos Mariachi Excellence Awards, established in 2025 by Sheila Bustillos, Ph.D. to provide two $500 annual scholarships to help Texas State students pursue their goals without financial barriers.