Foundation for Tulsa Schools scholarship winners at NSU announced

(Tahlequah, Okla.) Christine Hellard and Elana Chapman were recently named the first recipients of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools scholarship.

This scholarship is designed to allow Northeastern State University education students to receive financial assistance in exchange for returning to Tulsa Public Schools as teachers.

Hellard is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry education. Chatman seeks a degree in elementary education.

The grant is given to students majoring in education, including those transferring to NSU from Tulsa Community College or another two-year institution. Recipients must be graduates of one of Tulsas eight public high schools. Each scholarship awards $2,500 per semester.

The scholarship will allow me to attend school full-time, which I have been unable to afford, said Heller, a graduate of East Central High School. I now have time to dedicate to the teaching program, internships and volunteer work. I would like to teach at Tulsa Public schools because of the diversity and funding that TPS receives to support the core curriculum.

Lucky Lamons, president and CEO of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools, said the foundation established the scholarship in hopes the investment would create a educational return for the Tulsa community.

We thought it could be in the best interest of the foundation and students of Tulsa Public Schools if we could get our graduating students to return to the district as educators, he said. As recipients, they must make application to come back to teach with TPS. Being hired is not mandatory because circumstances may not permit it. For example, TPS may have no suitable job openings for the student at the time of graduation from NSU.

Peggy Glenn, director of development and executive director of the NSU Foundation, said the university works to direct qualified students to apply for the FTS scholarship and ensure their continued eligibility.

Beneficiaries must complete a degree from the NSU College of Education as a full-time student maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, she said. The NSU Foundation ensures that the donor intent of FTS is carried out and determines whether scholarships recipients continue meeting qualifications for the award.

Glenn said the NSU Foundation was delighted that FTS is encouraging students to attend the university and help FTS work toward its goal.

It makes sense to ask TPS graduates to return, she said. "As teachers they will share their passion for learning and hometown pride with their students, thereby inspiring the next generation of educators and leaders."

Lamons said FTS hopes to expand scholarship offerings and its relationship with NSU.

I am in discussions with Dr. Allyson Watson (associate professor of educational foundations and leadership at NSU-Broken Arrow) because she is already encouraging students to teach in urban schools through her Teaching and Urban Reform Network, he said. FTS has the capacity to offer more awards, and we are discussing the possibility of a scholarship for non-traditional NSU students.

The Foundation for Tulsa Schools was established in 2001 to provide community support for innovative teaching and further initiatives to enhance the learning experience for students in Tulsa Public Schools. For more information visit the Foundation for Tulsa Schools web site.