Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) recently notified Guymon Community Enrichment Foundation, a community-based organization (CBO), and their partners, Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Guymon Public Schools, that they will receive $10,000 to continue “Raising College Aspirations in Texas County.” The program is one of only five programs out of the original 15 that are being re-funded.
The grant will continue the priorities that began with the initial funding including building awareness of the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) scholarship opportunity; offering college and financial aid information for parents and students; and increasing awareness among students in regard to career opportunities. Specific plans include partnering with two large area employers to present information at employee meetings about the benefits of OHLAP and enrolling at least 115 students in the program. Other plans include hosting on-campus visits for students, visits to area businesses that employ degreed personnel, and a Leadership Camp next summer.
In addition, a mentoring program will be available for one-on-one encouragement. Teri Mora, Director of OPSU’s Hispanic Services, who serves as Program Director, and Melyn Johnson of the City of Guymon Community Development department, will provide volunteers from the Guymon professional community to work with high school juniors and seniors to help them navigate the road to college success.
Students from the newly formed OPSU Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO), Mr. Lowell Doss and Jeff Funk of Guymon Public Schools as well as some of OPSU’s faculty will also assist with the program. OPSU is proud to partner with other entities to provide Texas County students and their parents with encouragement and information about pursuing a college education.
Contact: Laura Dahl, director of campus communications, 580.349.1354