Oklahoma high school students and college students are invited to apply for nearly $2.5 million available in scholarships through the state’s largest private scholarship program.
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation administers an online application system of more than 150 scholarship opportunities available to students with many interests and backgrounds. Some scholarships target academic achievement, while others consider community service contributions. There are scholarships for students who attend specific colleges or universities, and there are others for students in certain fields of study.
Students can easily apply for scholarships specific to their interests by filling out a general application at occf.academicworks.com. Once submitted, the online system evaluates each application to match students with the scholarship opportunities that fit their qualifications.
Each scholarship opportunity is supported through contributions from countless private donors dedicated to enriching educational opportunity for thousands of young Oklahomans. While the average scholarship is $2,000, there are also scholarships available with awards of more than $10,000.
“Each year, we award scholarships to more than 800 students,” said Nancy Anthony, Oklahoma City Community Foundation president. “Through the support of our donors, the community foundation has established itself as the place to find scholarships in Oklahoma.”
Chris Coronado is one Oklahoma student who is grateful for the support he received from the Community Foundation’s scholarship program. A graduate of Oklahoma City’s Southeast High School in 2016, Chris was the first in his family to attend college. The Community Foundation provided him with a New Opportunities Scholarship, a scholarship designated for first-generation students, as well as the Frierson Scholarship, a scholarship awarded to sophomores, juniors and seniors. He is now a senior at the University of Oklahoma with plans to enroll in medical school after graduation.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the Community Foundation’s support for me and other students who are like me,” Coronado said. “They have stood with us, helping to open the doors to opportunities for education, careers and successful lives.”
“Administering our scholarship program is among the most fulfilling things we do,” said Anthony. “We are grateful to our many benefactors, who share the same value for education and the same enthusiasm for the future of our state.”
Scholarship application deadlines vary with most ranging from February to June. Students are encouraged to visit OCCF.academicworks.com to apply.