Attending college is the dream of many people, whether they are still in high school or have been in the workforce for a while. College can open up many doors, including better positions and higher salaries. Research indicates that college graduates earn significantly more than those who only complete high school. In addition to the job benefits and increased wages available to college graduates, the college also provides socialization skills. Students who attend college are challenged to develop a deeper understanding of subjects and to develop ways to improve the world.
Unfortunately, too many people believe that they are unable to afford college because of family financial constraints or other factors that reduce their ability to pay the full amount of tuition. Oklahoma residents have the ability, however, to apply for scholarships that can offset the cost of tuition or even pay the full amount of tuition for those that qualify.
1. Three Point Scholarship Program
Designed to assist New York/Tri-State and Tulsa high school students pursue a college education, the 3 Point Scholarship is a $2,000 award available to a graduating high school senior who plans to enroll full-time at a two- or four-year accredited college or university. Students who maintain good academic standing may reapply for the scholarship each year. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need by providing copies of the head of household’s tax returns. Applicants must be committed to community service and must provide detailed documentation of that involvement. Two letters of recommendation, as well as official transcripts, are also required.
2. American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarship
Students enrolled in the College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma or Oklahoma State University may apply for the American Society of Civil Engineers Scholarship. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 o/Users/circaclassic/Downloads/91972111.edited.txtr higher and be active participants in the campus chapter of ASCES. The award is for $1,250 and may be used for tuition, fees or book expenses. Funds are paid directly to the school.
3. AOTF Scholarship
The American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF) offers scholarships to students who are enrolled and have completed at least one year of an occupational therapy program. Applicants must be seeking their first degree in occupational therapy and have documented evidence of outstanding academics. There are also scholarships for post-baccalaureate students who are enrolled in an accredited occupational therapy education program and who have completed at least one year of study. In Oklahoma, one scholarship is awarded to one professional and one technical level student who is a resident of the state.
4. AQHA Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship is for students who have been a member of AQHA or AQHYA for at least one year and are residents of Oklahoma. Applicants must have maintained two or more years of membership in the Oklahoma Association and be actively involved. Applicants must apply during their senior year of high school or while enrolled at an accredited college or university. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Students may choose any degree program for the scholarship.
5. ASHRAE David J. Peters Scholarship
The ASHRAE David J. Peters Scholarship is for an undergraduate mechanical engineering student enrolled full-time in a bachelor degree program at participating institutes of higher learning, including Oklahoma State University. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and be in the top 30 percent of their class. Applicants must submit official transcripts of college grades or a high school transcript and verification of enrollment in college as well as three signed letters of recommendation. One must be from an instructor or advisor, another from a current or past employer and the third from another character reference who is not a family member.
6. Alberta Brannon Memorial Scholarship
The Alberta Brannon Memorial Scholarship is for students who plan to study hospitality and tourism or food services at MetroTech Technology Center, Francis Tuttle or Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. Preference is given to those who demonstrate financial need and funds may be used for tuition, books or fees. All funds are paid directly to the school. Applicants must write an essay that explains why they selected tourism and hospitality as a major as well as what career path they plan to pursue. The essay must also describe how they have put into practice what they have already learned through their studies. Applicants must provide a copy of their household 1040 or FAFSA as well.
7. Betty Black Hatchett Scholarship
Members of the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity may apply for the Betty Black Hatchett Scholarship if they are a member of a college chapter in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma or Texas and are pursuing a degree, either undergraduate or graduate. Applicants must be in good standing with the fraternity. Funds may be used for any related educational costs, including tuition, textbooks or fees.
8. Brunel D. Faris Art Exploration Scholarship
Students of visual arts at Oklahoma City University may apply for the Brunel D. Faris Art Exploration Scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a faculty member must recommend them based on their artistic ability. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Applicants must write a proposal of 500 words or less that explains their vision, scope, and plan. The proposal must include a budget and must agree to attend the Brunel D. Faris Art Exploration Scholarship recognition event.
9. Chiropractic Education Scholarship Program
Administered by the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for Higher Education as well as the Oklahoma State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, the Chiropractic Education Scholarship assists residents of Oklahoma who are pursuing a chiropractic degree in out-of-state colleges. Applicants must be a resident of Oklahoma for at least five years as of the date of the application and must be enrolled in or accepted to a chiropractic school. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and must complete the program in four years.
10. DANA Corporation Scholarship
The dependents of employees of Affinia Products Corporation in Oklahoma City may apply for the DANA Corporation scholarship. Applicants must be the dependent of a someone who is employed full-time and recipients may reapply for the scholarship in subsequent years as long as they have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Financial aid is considered when awarding the scholarship, and the funds may be used for tuition, fees or books. Payments are made directly to the college the student plans to attend. Applicants must explain how their educational plans relate to their career goals in an essay of 500 words or less. They also must provide a personal statement describing what they hope to accomplish through education and what unusual circumstances make them eligible for the scholarship. Applicants must submit any applicable work experience over the past four years and a copy of their 1040 or FAFSA.
11. Dr. Edith King Mental Health Scholarship
The Dr. Edith King Mental Health Scholarship is for an Oklahoma resident who is pursuing a graduate degree that will further their career in mental health services. Preference is given to applicants who are committed to working with juveniles or those who are pursuing degrees at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, and books. Applicants must write a 500-word personal reflection on “The Community of the Mentally Ill” as well as a 300-word statement on their academic and professional development.
12. Dr. Gary M. Moore Great Plan Scholarship
A graduating senior in the upper ten percent of their graduating class from an accredited Oklahoma high school is eligible for the Gary M. Moore Great Plan Scholarship. Applicants must have an ACT composite score greater than 20 and be a non-smoker. Applicants must plan to pursue a major at the Oklahoma City University College of Arts and Sciences. They must also demonstrate leadership and altruistic activities. Applicants must provide an essay of 500 words or less explaining why Oklahoma City University will make a difference in their academic and career goals.
13. Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma Scholarship
Students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees in early childhood education, child development or family studies are eligible to apply for the Early Childhood Association of Oklahoma Scholarship. Applicants must be employed at the beginning of childhood care or family services setting, including family childcare homes. Preference is given to those who have five years or more work experience in early care and education. Applicants must write a reflection of their professional goals about providing early care and teaching to children under the age of eight. The reflection must be between 300 and 500 words. The names and email addresses of those who can verify employment are also required.
14. Fred R. McDaniel Memorial Scholarship
The Fred R. McDaniel Memorial Scholarship is for students in bachelors or higher degree programs. Preference is given to students who are seeking a career in electronics, communications or related fields. Preference is also given to those living in the FCC Fifth Call District, which includes Oklahoma. Applicants must hold a General Class or higher Amateur Radio License and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. There is one $500 scholarship awarded each year.
15. Garner-Stocker Foundation Scholarship
Employees and legal dependents of Taco Mayo Franchise Systems, Inc. may apply for the Garner-Stocker Franchise Foundation Scholarship. High school students may apply contingent upon acceptance into a degree or certification program at an accredited college or university. Preference is given to employees and families with the most seniority at the franchise. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years if the student maintains a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from a current employer and indicate how they are eligible to apply. A 300- to 500-word statement regarding how the scholarship would help, why they have chosen a particular field of study and the applicant’s goals is also required.
16. Geneva Johnston Hudson Scholarship
The Geneva Johnston Hudson Scholarship is for applicants enrolled in degree programs at the University of Central Oklahoma College of Education. Applicants must be endorsed by the local Kappa Kappa Iota president, campus sponsor or state scholarship chairperson. Applicants must provide a 500-word or less statement of their personal education plan. They also must provide the name and email address of the local chapter president who must provide an endorsement on the applicant’s behalf. The applicant does not need to know the president personally to receive the endorsement.
17. George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship
The George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship provides scholarships to outstanding students who are preparing for careers in public service. Applicants must be residents of Oklahoma and must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university in Oklahoma. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and must demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular activities. Criteria used to determine scholarship recipients include grades, class rank, GPA, national awards, honors and teacher recommendations.
18. Harris Harding Scholarship
The Harris Harding Scholarship is for graduating seniors at Harding Charter Preparatory School with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be planning to attend a college or university as a full-time student in the state of Oklahoma. The scholarship is renewable for up to three consecutive years as long as the recipient maintains full-time status and submits a thank you note at the end of each academic year. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or less that reflects on a teacher, coach or administrator who influenced them to continue their education as well as the household 1040 or FAFSA. A copy of the applicant’s resume is also required.
19. Ines Abbott McCrary Scholarship
The Ines Abbott McCrary Scholarship is for a junior or senior collegian member of Beta Zeta at Oklahoma State University pursuing an undergraduate degree. Applicants may also be a senior collegian member pursuing a graduate degree. Applicants must be in good standing with the fraternity. Funds must be used for academic expenses not funded by other financial aid and may include tuition, fees or textbooks. An online application and test is required as well as references from fellow members.
20. James Whitfield Employee Scholarship
Full- or part-time employees of the Quail Creek Golf and Country Club or a qualified dependent may apply for the James Whitfield Employee Scholarship with a 2.0 GPA or greater throughout high school. Financial need is considered, so students must provide their household 1040 or FAFSA. An essay of up to 500 words describing a teacher, coach, school administrator or employer who has influenced the applicant is required as well.
21. Jason Sublette “Heart of a Leopard” Memorial Scholarship
A graduating senior at Lindsay High School in Lindsay, Oklahoma, may apply for the Jason Sublette “Heart of a Leopard” Memorial Scholarship, who have participated in extracurricular and civic activities. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5, or greater and financial need is considered. An essay of 500 words or less describing the applicant, their goals and interests in continuing their education is required. The essay must also include experiences or people who have influenced the student’s decisions and explains their college living arrangements. Applicants must have been a resident of the Lindsay community for at least six semesters before graduating from high school.
22. Jimmie L. Dean Foundation Scholarship
The Jimmie L. Dean Foundation offers scholarships to Oklahoma residents who are attending or plan to attend Oklahoma colleges. Applicants must also plan to remain in Oklahoma after college graduation. Applicants must be completing their senior year of high school and be entering college for the first time. Applicants must have a minimum ACT score of 20. There are no income restrictions and recipients can reapply for the scholarship each year for up to five years. The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees as well as room and board.
23. Kimberly Kay Clark Memorial Scholarship – Naval Reserve Association
Applicants enlisted in the Naval Reserve who are actively pursuing a degree from an accredited college or university may apply for the Kimberly Kay Clark Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established in honor of LN1 Kimberly Kay Clark, USNR, who died in the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in 1995. The applicant’s pay grade may not be higher than E-6. Applicants must provide a brief summary of their military career and describe how the scholarship will advance their military and/or civilian career.
24. Learning With Love’s Scholarship
Employees and dependents of Love’s Travel & Country Stores, Inc. or affiliated entities may apply for the Learning With Love’s Scholarship. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24. Their program of study must lead to a degree or professional certification. Awards may be used for undergraduate or graduate study and applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Financial need is required, and the scholarship is for one year. Past recipients may apply in subsequent years but receive no preference for consideration. Applicants must explain in an essay of 500 to 1,000 words what their most meaningful achievements are, how they relate to their field of study and their future goals. They must also explain how the scholarship will help them achieve those goals.
25. Maximum Independence Scholarship
Goodwill Industries of Oklahoma offers 15 scholarships of $1,000 each to high school seniors who aspire to continue their education. Applicants must be attending high school in Southwest Oklahoma or North Texas. The Oklahoma counties covered include Caddo, south of E1130 Road, Comanche, Cotton, Grady, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Kiowa, Stephens, and Tillman. Applicants must be enrolling as first-time students in a vocational-technical school or college and pursuing a certificate or degree. Applicants must enroll in 12 credit hours per semester and have a documented 15 hours of community service. Applicants must also have a documented disability, demonstrated financial need or both. Applicants are expected to serve in the Goodwill Ambassador Program.
26. Nolan Moore Memorial Education Foundation
The Nolan Moore Memorial Education Foundation offers scholarships to students who wish to pursue a career in printing technology or distribution management. Amounts range from $500 to $2,500 and are based on the student’s academic and non-academic accomplishments. Applicants must attend an accredited printing technology or management program and be a permanent resident of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma or Texas. Applicants interested in design, photography or web-based careers will not be considered for the scholarship.
27. Nurse Education Program Scholarship
The Nurse Education Program Scholarship is for students who are college sophomore or juniors in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program or who is a practicing Registered Nurse who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a nursing related program. Applicants must complete six credit hours in the state of Oklahoma although to receive the full $2,000 scholarship award, full-time study of at least 12 credit hours is required. Online courses are also accepted. Applicants must provide a 500-word essay on how their educational plans relate to their career goals and why they are interested in a nursing career.
28. Oklahoma Academy of Physician Assistants Scholarship
Physician assistant students enrolled in an Oklahoma program that is accredited by ARC-PA may apply for the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Assistants Scholarship. Students must be entering their second year with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher. The $1,000 scholarship is a one-time, non-renewable award. Applicants must provide an essay of 500 words or less on why they have chosen to become a physician’s assistant as well as short- and long-term goals. Applicants must also explain their leadership roles and participation in OAPA. A resume must be included with the application.
29. Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship Program
The Future Teachers Scholarship Program is designed to encourage students to enter the teaching profession. Applicants must be residents of Oklahoma and must be nominated by the college in which they are enrolled. Applicants may attend either full- or part-time, but priority is given to full-time students. Applicant must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and, if awarded the scholarship, must agree to teach in an Oklahoma public school shortage area for a minimum of three years upon graduation and licensure. The scholarship may be renewed for up to four years.
30. Oklahoma Goodwill Industries Abilities Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors from the state of Oklahoma are able to apply for the Oklahoma Goodwill Industries Abilities Scholarship. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and provide written documentation from a physician or service provider that they are disabled as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants must write an essay that describes why their disability does not define them and a written statement that describes their academic and future goals. Applicants must also provide their family 1040 or FAFSA as financial need is considered.
31. Oklahoma Youth With Promise Scholarship
The Oklahoma Youth With Promise Scholarship is for graduates of high schools in Oklahoma or those who have earned their GED in that state. Applicants must be under the age of 25 and have been in the Oklahoma DHS custody foster care system or aged out at the time of graduation. The scholarship may be renewed as long as the student maintains a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Residents of group homes or licensed residential facilities are also eligible to apply. Applicants must provide the name of their Child Welfare Social Worker or Licensed Residential Facility Worker, who will submit a recommendation as well as an essay of 250 words or less explaining their career goals.
32. PFLAG Norman Scholarship
Two scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded through the PFLAG Norman Scholarship to an outstanding graduating senior who is an active participant in a Gay Straight Alliance, is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ) or is a straight ally that hopes to further equality. Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited college or university within 12 months of graduation and must provide documentation of their promotion of inclusion and support of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
33. PMI Tulsa Chapter Scholarship
Two scholarships are available through the PMI Tulsa Chapter of $1,500 each for students who are enrolled in or plan to seek a degree in project management. Applicants must be a member of the PMI Tulsa Chapter or an immediate family member and must be a resident of Northern Oklahoma. Applicant must be enrolled in or plan to attend a two- or four-year degree program at an accredited college or university in Oklahoma. The applicant may be seeking a Project Management Certificate or may be seeking a two- or four-year degree.
34. Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship
Eleven public universities in Oklahoma participate in the Regional University Baccalaureate Scholarship. Up to 15 students per university receive up to $3,000 plus resident tuition waivers from the state. Applicants must be Oklahoma residents and must have an ACT composite score of at least 30 and be a National Merit Semifinalist or Commended Student. Application for the scholarships are made through the university the student plans to attend.
35. Troop 193 Leadership Scholarship
Students who are members of Troop 193 or the Casady School who have achieved the Boy Scout rank of Eagle, the Girl Scout Gold Award or the Camp Fire USA WoHeLo Award are eligible to apply for the Troop 193 Leadership Scholarship. Applicants must have remained active in the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or Camp Fire organizations throughout their senior year. Applicants must submit the name and email address of someone who can verify the completion of the leadership awards. Funds may be used for tuition, fees and books at any accredited college or university in the country.
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