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Home/Riverhawk News/NSU creates opportunities for first-generation students with scholarship

NSU creates opportunities for first-generation students with scholarship

NSU creates opportunities for first-generation students with new scholarship

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) is opening doors for first-generation students with its Breakthrough Scholars Scholarship. The university’s commitment to first-generation students is strengthening its commitment to affordable education.

The Breakthrough Scholars Scholarship is tailored toward first-generation, low-income and new freshmen students. NSU created the scholarship not only to help students get into college, but also to equip students with real-life experiences and skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Recipients can get up to $3,000 for the fall semester and $3,000 for the spring semester, totaling up to $6,000 per academic year. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, housing, meal plans and books.

Breakthrough Scholars are required to complete at least five hours of work in an NSU campus office to help students cultivate experience before entering the workforce.

Highlighting the program's impact, NSU President Rodney Hanley noted the transformative power of higher education:

“Higher education is one of the most powerful tools we have to unlock opportunity and expand accessibility for every student, regardless of background," said Hanley. "An education doesn't just impact an individual student; it transforms families and creates positive ripple effects that resonate across generations. At NSU, we strive to provide not only an academic degree, but a rich cultural experience that allows students to step into something greater than themselves and discover their true potential."

Michaella Stewart, assistant director of Student Retention and Success, shared her excitement and hopes for the new groundbreaking scholarship.

“The Breakthrough Scholars will be housed in the SSC office and I am honored to be their advisor,” said Stewart. “This program will give students the opportunity to be successful at NSU without the financial stress that many First Gen students face.”

The program is starting with 16 Breakthrough Scholars for the 2026-2027 school year and plans to expand the program next year to reach more first-generation students.

In addition to this, NSU is hosting a welcome dinner for the 2026-2027 Breakthrough Scholars on Aug. 20.

Applications for the Fall 2027 semester opens to new, incoming freshmen on Sept. 1.

To learn more about the Breakthrough Scholars Scholarship, visit https://scholarships.nsuok.edu/Freshmen/default.aspx.

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