Library: News Release
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services recently awarded post-secondary scholarships totaling $36,500 to 28 former foster youth for the 2002-2003 academic year.
The scholarships are part of the Mary Louise Hartpence Scholarship Fund. Hartpence, a longtime employee of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, passed away in 1983 and left her $300,000 estate in trust to be used as a scholarship fund for children in OKDHS custody.
Donna Reynolds, a past recipient, recently completed medical school and will be starting her residency with the U.S. Navy. "When I first started college, I used to think that my accomplishments were a result of my hard work, abilities and motivation," said Reynolds. "Now I realize that, although these attributes are important ingredients to success, my dreams of a fulfilling life and happiness would not have been possible had I not had the help of many people along the way.
The Hartpence Scholarship program was one of those key vehicles that enabled me to have the funds to complete college. I could never be where I am today were I not even given the chance to start and, as a Hartpence Scholar, I had that chance."
Since its inception, these scholarships have benefited 208 youth in their pursuit of higher education. To date, 25 recipients have earned bachelor degrees; eleven have pursued graduate study in law, medicine, dentistry, social work and psychology. Also, two recipients have earned associate degrees; one completed nurse’s training and three have completed a two-year technical course.
This year, 21 first- and second-year students will each receive $1,000 scholarships, one third-year student will receive $2,000 and six fourth-year students will receive $3,000. To qualify, all students must maintain a 2.0 grade average or better.
An increase in foster children in Oklahoma who apply for this scholarship and the recent economic downturn, have contributed to a depletion of funds for the scholarship. As of June 1, 2002, it is projected that less than $21,400 in funds are available. This means that unless the economy improves, or new funds are brought in, OKDHS will have to either award fewer scholarships for the 2003-2004 academic year, or decrease the amount of money given to each recipient.
The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services acts as trustee for the Mary Louise Hartpence Scholarship Fund. This is the 17th group to receive the Hartpence Scholarship. Hartpence was a 32-year veteran of OKDHS whose last gesture of kindness will continue to touch the lives of young people for years to come.
|If you would like to contribute to the Mary Louise Hartpence Scholarship Fund, please send donations to the Oklahoma Human Services Foundation c/o the Hartpence Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 52946, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-2146. Please make sure that all donations are clearly marked for the Hartpence Scholarship Fund. If you would like to know more about becoming a foster parent, call 1-800-376-9729, or click on www.okdhs.org/fostercare/.
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