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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services recently awarded post-secondary scholarships totaling $33,000 to 21 former foster youth for the 2003-2004 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.
Marvla Robinson, a past recipient, recently began working for OKDHS as a Child Welfare Specialist. “It was a great honor to receive this scholarship and it helped me tremendously,” said Robinson. “I was in foster care for seven years and I didn’t know I was capable of going to college, but through the support of some really good case workers and some really awesome foster parents I became the first person in my family to graduate from college.
I want to help other children and teenagers realize that their goals are important and even though they were in foster care and may have had some difficult situations in their lives, that they can still succeed and that there are people willing to encourage and back them in that endeavor.”
Since its inception, these scholarships have benefited 220 youth in their pursuit of higher education. To date, 29 recipients have earned bachelors degrees. Most recently, four recipients have graduated with degrees in veterinary medicine, sociology, social work and nursing.
This year, nine first- and second-year students will each receive $1,000 scholarships, nine third-year students will receive $2,000 and three fourth-year students will receive $3,000. To qualify, all students must retain a 2.0 grade average or better.
An increase in foster children in Oklahoma who apply for this scholarship has contributed to a depletion of funds for the scholarship. As of June 1, 2003, it is projected that less than $33,600 in funds are available. Last year the scholarship was awarded to 12 recipients, this year, due to limited funds, only four of the 14 first time applicants were awarded scholarships.
The Oklahoma Commission for Human Services acts as trustee for the Mary Louise Hartpence Scholarship Fund. This is the 18th 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 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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