The purpose of the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation is to encourage the study, teaching and research into the science and art of self-government, to the end that the American People may understand the fundamental principles of democracy and be guided thereby in shaping governmental policies.

Sumners Scholarships. The Foundation has six endowed graduate and undergraduate scholarship programs in Texas and Oklahoma. In all cases, scholarship applications and administration are handled by the individual institutions. The Trustees of the Foundation, however, conduct personal interviews of the finalists on each campus and make the final scholarship decisions.  Last year the Trustees conducted 111 interviews at 9 campuses resulting in 45 new scholars.

Unlike many foundations that give out scholarships, Sumners takes a real hands-on approach to selecting the students and then maintains a relationship with them throughout their scholastic careers and beyond.  Since the Class of 1972, the Foundation has handed out 750 scholarships.  Notable alumni include Texas Supreme Court Justice Nathan Hecht.  In fact, there are few major law firms in the state, especially North Texas, that doesn't employ one of its alums.

Lecture Series Luncheons. The NCPA's continued relationship with the Sumners Foundation has resulted in many years of excellent programs for the Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Lecture Series in Dallas.  This series provides nationally and internationally renowned speakers and public figures a forum to speak to Dallas audiences about important issues and public policy topics. Attendees include area business and community leaders, media, college students and the general public.  

Meeting with Lecture Series Speakers.  Unlike most other local lecture series, a key aspect of the NCPA/Sumners series is that the students are invited free of charge to attend the luncheon addresses and are given the opportunity to visit (as a group) with the speaker privately and ask questions. 

Weekend Policy Seminars.  In addition, once a year Sumners students get to attend a weekend policy seminar hosted by the NCPA and funded by the Foundation.  The seminar is an opportunity for the students to become informed about today's most important and complex public policy issues from some of the nation's leading experts. Most sessions are constructed in a pro-con or right-left format so as to provide the scholars with both perspectives. 

Endowment for NCPA Internship Program. The endowment fund internships provide students the opportunity to experience the day-to-day activities of a nationally recognized public policy research institution.  Interns gain valuable knowledge and experience which will assist them in any career path they choose.

Other Opportunities. Sumners provides their scholars the opportunity to attend the LBJ Leadership School at UT and for education majors intent on teaching social studies, a course on how to teach the founding documents given by the state bar.

Participating schools include Austin College, Howard Payne University, Huston-Tillotson University, Oklahoma City University School of Law, Schreiner University, SMU Dedman School of Law, SMU’s John Tower Center, Southwestern University, St. Edwards University, Texas Wesleyan University, University of Dallas, and University of North Texas.