Fresh Start Scholarship To Help Students Affected By Economic Times
(Press Release 06-18-09)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Like other colleges across the state, Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton has elected to hold the tuition and fee rate at a constant for the next school year but will take the economic consideration a step further.

Officials at the college have devised a “Fresh Start Scholarship” to help those who have lost their job in the last six months due to financial hardship of the company or business who had employed them.

The Fresh Start program will be open for FY 2010 to any potential student 21 years of age or older who has lost their job due to the economic downturn.

“In a time when the unemployed are looking for answers, higher education is a viable option,” Eastern President Dr. Steve Smith said.

“Eastern Oklahoma State College believes not raising tuition and fees for the coming year is the right thing to do.

“To add to our support of those who are unemployed, Eastern is initiating the Fresh Start Scholarship program to assist with college expenses of those affected by the economic times,” he said.

Those who think they may qualify for the program should apply through the financial aid office by contacting Jennifer Labor, 918-465-1768, or jlabor@eosc.edu for additional information.

The potential student must provide verification of their unemployment with either a letter from the company or unemployment receipt that they are eligible under the current criteria. The student will be asked to apply for financial aid through the normal process and will be sent to the registrar’s office to verify that they meet the college admission process.

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