-
ENID, OK - The Cherokee Strip Community Foundation (CSCF) announced today a scholarship that will assist Enid students achieve their dream of earning a college degree, especially those who would be the first generation in their family to do so.
-
The scholarship, established by the Allen Family Charitable Foundation (AFCF), will be for seniors from Enid High School, Chisholm High School, Pioneer High School and Oklahoma Bible Academy who will be attending a two-year community college or four-year university as a full-time student. The Foundation’s selection committee will choose four students each January to receive a $10,000 scholarship annually for up to four years.
-
“It is the hope of the Foundation that this program will expand opportunities for the scholarship recipients to reach their personal and professional goals,” Paul Allen said.
-
“We also hope to make a difference for future generations and for the community as a whole,” Joan Allen added.
-
AFCF’s donation to create the scholarship - $2 million – is expected to fund the scholarship for at least 15 to 20 years. It is the largest privately funded scholarship available to students at all four participating high schools and is believed to be one of the most significant scholarship programs of its kind in the state.
-
Founded in 2006 by Joan and Paul Allen, Jennifer and Mark Allen, and Elizabeth and Greg Allen, the mission of AFCF is to support organizations that have a proven record of success in education, rehabilitation or development to help individuals transform their lives and contribute to the larger society.
-
“On behalf of the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation Board of Trustees, we are so pleased to partner with the Allen Family Charitable Foundation by investing and distributing scholarship funds that will benefit Enid-area seniors,” Mary Stallings, CSCF Executive Director, said. “This is a program that will not only open doors and opportunities for selected students, but it will make a difference in our community for years to come. We greatly appreciate the generosity of the Allen family.”
-
Scholarship applications for the Class of 2018 will be due in the counselor’s office of each school by December 1. CSCF will administer the scholarship in accordance with all guidelines and policies established by its Board of Trustees.
-
Each spring, the Foundation will host a banquet for the year’s recipients and their families to celebrate their accomplishments. Past recipients also will be encouraged to share their success in order to inspire current Enid students to apply for the scholarship and pursue a college education.
-
Dr. Darrell Floyd, Superintendent of Enid Public Schools, said, "What an amazing day for the young people of Enid, Oklahoma, and what a generous commitment from the Allen Family Charitable Foundation. It is the goal of Enid Public Schools to ensure that every student is college and career ready. The reality is that finances and other obstacles can sometimes derail their plans after graduation. With this scholarship, students will have the opportunity to make their dreams of a college education come true. It’s going to be truly life-changing for many students, and it also has the potential to transform our community. We are very grateful to the Allen family for their support of our schools and our students."
-
For more information or a copy of the application, students should talk to their school counselors or visit www.cherokeestripcf.com/allenfoundationscholarship. Information also is available by contacting Stallings at 580-234-3988 or Amber Graham Fitzgerald, CSCF trustee, at 580-366-7000.
-
-
Allens Announce $2 Million Scholarship For Enid Seniors
