Oklahoma

Oklahoma Scholarships and Grants

Wow! Is this an exciting year for all of you high school seniors? You’re right on the cusp of leaving childhood behind and beginning your adult lives. There is so much to do, and so many changes involved in the transition, that sometimes you just need to stop and think about what might make the leap easier – mentally, physically, and financially. That’s where scholarships, grants, and loans come into play! Check out a few of these possibilities and know that they are just the tip of the iceberg as far as monies out there to help you. After you check these out, contact your high school guidance counselor for an even longer list, and the best of luck in this next, most exciting time of your lives!!!

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation

This is a renewable scholarship targeting applicants of Alaskan native or American Indian heritage. You must also be a high school student residing in several designated states of which Oklahoma is one. In order to be eligible you must be planning a career in science, engineering, math, medicine, health services technology or administration, or other related fields, and you must be a member of AISES. There is a grade requirement of at least a 2.0 GPA. You will be expected to submit letters of recommendation citing your leadership abilities, personal strength, and commitment to community service. The amount of this award is $2,500, and it is renewable for up to four years until you earn your degree. For more details, check out the website: www.www.aises.org.

Carl N. & Margaret Karcher Founders

This scholarship is directed toward a high school senior who is a resident of, among other states, Oklahoma. Funds provided are to be utilized at an accredited 2 or 4-year college or university. There is no major field of study specified for this award, and, if selected you will receive $1,000. If you are in the immediate family of an employee of Carl’s Jr. Restaurants, or one of its affiliates, you are ineligible for this scholarship. If you would like further details, go to the website at www.carlsjr.com/promotions.

Oklahoma Engineering Foundation

Are you planning to major in engineering? Are you a high school senior living in Oklahoma? Then read on – this might be perfect for you. To be eligible you must have a GPA of at least 3.0, an ACT composite score of 24-29, with a math component of 28 or above. However, if you were eligible for the National Merit Scholarships or Oklahoma Regents Scholarships, you are ineligible for this particular scholarship. Funds awarded are $1,000, and may be used at Oklahoma Christian University of Science & Arts, OSU, OU, University of Central Oklahoma, and Oral Roberts University in Tulsa. Along with your application you will need to submit an essay and current transcript. Visit this website for a pre-qualification form: www.ospe.org.

Robert C. Byrd Honors

College is a big step, but you are ready for it! So, before it’s too late, why not apply for a scholarship to help out? The amount of this award varies from year to year, but is renewable beyond your freshman year. It is to be applied to full time undergraduate study at any 2 or 4-year institution in the United States. To apply you must be a high school senior living in Oklahoma. You must have a record of high academic achievement with an ACT composite score of at least 32, and/or at least a combined SAT score of 2130. If GED, your score should be 700 or above. There is further information regarding details and deadlines on the website: www.sde.state.ok.us.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant

This is a renewable grant of $1,000, and funds may be used at specified Oklahoma colleges and universities. To be eligible you must prove need for financial assistance by completing the free FSFSA application on line (details in ‘note’ on previous page). You must also be a high school senior living in Oklahoma. A significant number of these grants are awarded each year, and the earlier you apply, the better your chances of receiving one. To get more information about this, go to the website: www.okhighered.org.

Native American Leadership in Education Scholarship

Are you a high school senior living in Oklahoma? Are you at least ¼ Native American? Do you plan to be a teacher? Then this scholarship is custom-designed for you. Further eligibility requirements include excellent scholastic history, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to serving your community. In addition to your application you will need to submit letters of recommendation, an essay, transcript, and proof of eligibility. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. For deadlines and more details, check out the website: www.catchingthedream.org.