NOC Establishes First Generation College Student Scholarship Fund

The Northern Oklahoma College Foundation, Inc. announces the establishment of the First-Generation College Student Scholarship Fund.

  This permanently restricted scholarship endowment fund, created in January 2024, was originated in recognition of and dedicated to the need for financial assistance for selected students who are the first in their immediate family to attend and graduate from a two-year college or university and whose parent/legal guardian(s) do not possess an associate or bachelor degree.

This scholarship was created and endowed for student(s) who may not qualify for financial aid, but could benefit from additional funding to help offset education-based expenditures.

“As the daughter of a first-generation college student, I am so incredibly appreciative of the generosity of this donor,” said NOC President Diana Watkins.  “My dad’s community college experience completely changed the trajectory of his life, and therefore mine. This scholarship will improve the quality of life for many families for generations to come.”

According to Candy Oller, NOC Director of Development and Donor Relations, the anonymous donor for this scholarship was a student who was not eligible for financial aid, who paid her own way through college without assistance from family, and struggled immensely.  There were many times the donor had multiple jobs to make ends meet, and at times wanted to give up, but did not.  The donor is now in a position to help those student(s) who may need financial assistance, and hopefully take some weight off their shoulders.  By knowing that someone cares enough to give back, the donor hopes to make their college adventure a little easier.

Applications must be made with the NOC Scholarship Office, be a high school graduate/GED equivalent whose parents do not have an associate or bachelor’s degree.  Preference will be given to the applicant who demonstrates a financial need, scholarship aptitude and achievement and is full time/part time at NOC Tonkawa

The NOC Tonkawa scholarship committee shall determine the recipient(s). Monies raised and/or donated annually for scholarship purposes shall be classified as temporarily restricted and used to provide up to five (5) minimum award(s) of $1,000 annually. Additional scholarships may be awarded on an as need basis as determined by the Scholarship Coordinator and available funding.

Those wishing to make a gift to this NOC Foundation fund or others can contact the Foundation office at 580.628.6292  or give online at  Give to NOC | Northern Oklahoma College or www.noc.edu/development/foundation/give-online/.

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.

NOC serves nearly 4,000 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater.  Of these students about 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.

For more information about Northern Oklahoma College please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.