Thank you for your interest in Horns Helping Horns (HHH). HHH is a program for financially independent students and foster care alumni who arrive at UT Austin with little or no family support and very limited resources. The program provides students with community and support through their time at UT Austin.
How can I support Horns Helping Horns?
Give to HHH
Scholarship funds are absolutely vital for students in the Horns Helping Horns program, many of whom arrive on campus without a strong support network and little financial cushion.
Find out more by visiting our Donor page.
Amazon Wishlist
As many of our students arrive at UT Austin with little to no familial support, consider providing items from this list to help with their transition.
Supplies/Other types of Donations
HHH often receives donations of resources from organizations outside of the University or from individuals. Things such as gift cards for groceries, academic, dorm, and personal care supplies are some examples. Please contact the coordinator (Jessica Timpson, jessica.timpson@austin.utexas.edu) if you would like to donate.
Feature us at a fundraiser for your organization
Organizations such as the UT Retired Faculty & Staff Association and Texas Exes have raised money on our behalf at their annual fundraisers. If you would like to feature HHH at an event, please contact Jessica Timpson at jessica.timpson@austin.utexas.edu.
Mentorship
UT Austin staff & faculty who wish to become a mentor can do so by filling out the HHH Mentor Application. If you are an alumnus of UT Austin and would like to inquire about mentorship, please contact Jessica Timpson to see if there are opportunities available.
Find out more by visiting our Mentor Program page.
Who Qualifies for Horns Helping Horns?
Any undergraduate student who has had experience in the foster care system, is emancipated, or is/has been at risk of homelessness. HHH will also consider other extenuating circumstances.
How do I apply to be in Horns Helping Horns?
Students are identified via the FAFSA and are invited to apply at the beginning of the academic year. However, HHH admits students on a rolling basis throughout the year. Priority is given to students identified as former foster youth. If you believe you qualify and would like to apply, please contact the Program Coordinator, Jessica Timpson for more information.
When does HHH accept new students into the program?
Students are identified via the FAFSA and are invited to apply at the beginning of the academic year. However, HHH admits students on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Do I have to reapply to HHH every year that I attend UT Austin?
You do not have to reapply every year once you've been accepted into the Horns Helping Horns (HHH) program. Once accepted, you are in the HHH program for the duration of your time at UT Austin.
How do I find out if I qualify for the SIL program?
The qualifications are listed on the DFPS website. You can also contact your caseworker, PAL coordinator, or the contact the HHH Program Coordinator, Jessica Timpson at jessica.timpson@austin.utexas.edu to find out if you qualify.
What do I do if I am interested in interning or working as a graduate assistant for HHH?
Depending on capacity and needs of the program, Horns Helping Horns (HHH) sometimes works with interns or graduate assistants to assist with running the program. Sometimes, these students are also able to combine a final project or thesis with their work with HHH.
Students interested in an internship may contact the HHH Program Coordinator, Jessica Timpson at jessica.timpson@austin.utexas.edu.
Postings for graduate assistants will be on Handshake when available. For more information, contact the HHH Program Coordinator, Jessica Timpson at jessica.timpson@austin.utexas.edu.
Does every HHH student get a staff/faculty mentor?
The HHH mentor program is optional, and students can opt in or out at any time. However, we do encourage students to take advantage of having a staff/faculty mentor because it is a valuable resource to have while navigating a large institution.
What scholarships do HHH students receive?
Students in HHH typically receive a $500 academic scholarship per term in fall/spring and $250 in summer, if enrolled. Scholarship funds are based on each student’s individual financial aid package and may vary.
Students who remain active in the program are also eligible to receive up to $1,500 in funds for study abroad or other professional development programs.
The University grants additional scholarships to students who are categorized as independent. These funds are distributed by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Students can apply for these and other scholarships through LASSO, the University’s official scholarship database.