Presidents to recognize 20th anniversary of Oklahoma's Promise

Two decades ago, a forward-thinking program designed to widen access to higher learning and encourage academic achievement among its participants was created for Oklahoma high school students.

Today presidents of Oklahoma's colleges and universities and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education gather at the capitol building to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Oklahoma's Promise (OKP).

"Thanks to some visionary leaders in the Oklahoma Legislature, a need was recognized and help was established for higher education," said NSU President Steve Turner. "Oklahoma's Promise has been an amazing success. Students, their families and the State of Oklahoma have benefited."

Because of its emphasis on academic preparation and tuition payment, Oklahoma's Promise is noted nationally as a model program.

"Oklahoma's Promise is outstanding," said Dr. Teri Cochran, director of student financial services at NSU. "It is an excellent resource for students from low-income families to offset the cost of education and reduce the need for loans."

During the 2011-12 academic year, 1,346 OKP students are attending NSU. They will receive more than $3.7 million in tuition assistance.

Since 28 of the first participants entered NSU in 1996, Northeastern has enrolled a total of 3,662 Oklahoma's Promise recipients. They have received nearly $24 million in tuition aid.

"This program has aided middle- and lower-income families in our region and across the state," Turner said. "They have been able to realize their dream of sending their children to college. It has assisted a generation of students and we look forward to Oklahoma's Promise helping future generations attain their degrees and pursue their careers and professions."

Begun by the state legislature in 1992 as the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program, Oklahomas Promise pays the college tuition of students from low-income households provided the students undertake appropriate academic preparations.

OKP requires candidates to take four units of English, three of lab science, three of mathematics, three of history and citizenship skills, two of foreign language or computer technology, an additional unit from any of the required subjects and a unit of fine arts. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5. The program also expects students to stay away from drugs, alcohol and criminal activity.

College students who complete the OKP curriculum maintain higher grade-point averages and their baccalaureate degree completion rates are approximately 10 percent higher than non-OKP students.

Students within the program are more likely to enter college (82 percent) than the general high school population (58 percent). College remediation rates are lower for OKP students and they are more likely to enroll full-time. They are also 12 percent more likely to return after their freshman years (83 percent to 71 percent).

Students apply for Oklahoma's Promise while in eighth grade or as high school freshmen or sophomores.