Established in 2009, it is the Foundation’s only direct service initiative, reflecting our deep commitment to educational and long-term student success. 100% donor-funded, LaunchPad is a game changer for Fort Worth students, providing free, expert college application advising. LaunchPad empowers students through intensive essay mentoring that cultivates critical writing and storytelling skills, benefiting them throughout their lives. The one-on-one advising focuses on targeted school selection, admission requirements, and unlimited essay guidance.
The Foundation expanded its student support in 2024 to include its first scholarship program for LaunchPad students in honor of the Harris Family, founders of the Fort Worth companies, Harris Packaging and American Carton Co.
We are pleased to recognize our 2025-2026 scholarship winners:
Raegan Surratt (Paschal High School) dedicated more than 30 hours to the college application process and participated in at least five LaunchPad advising sessions. Raegan was accepted into 18 of the 19 schools she applied to and will be attending the University of Arkansas in the fall. She plans to study Political Science and pursue a career as a criminal attorney, advocating for marginalized communities through the legal system.
Viviana Meza (North Side High School) invested approximately 24 hours in her college application process, met with our LaunchPad team five times, and completed an impressive 18 essays during the application cycle. She will be attending Rice University in the fall. Her dedication and perseverance exemplify the commitment required to achieve ambitious college goals!
The Harris Family Scholarship for LaunchPad Students application window runs annually from December 1 through March 31.
“I felt grateful to be selected and was truly appreciative to have won the Harris Family Scholarship. I was recently accepted into OU! Launchpad helped me reach this point; I couldn't have done it without Dr. Tyler!”
“They helped me gain a sense of who l wanted to be and what college was right for me financially, academically, and personally," she said. "Their support not only boosted my confidence but also made the college application process much less stressful.”
Teri Blaisdell, Ph.D., LaunchPad Program Director
teri@fwlibraryfoundation.org
C: 817-266-0637
Paula Tyler, Ph.D., LaunchPad Advisor
paula@fwlibraryfoundation.org
C: 817-565-4747
© The Fort Worth Public Library Foundation 2026
A501(c)(3) non-profit organization | Tax ID number 75-2486106
