One of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the U.S. is sponsoring a scholarship for first-generation students at Oklahoma City University.
The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages First-Gen Scholarship was funded by a $75,000 gift to support the educational pursuits of a student group that often faces challenges in finishing their studies.
“OCU and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages have a long-standing partnership and mutual commitment to student success,” said Levi Harrel-Hallmark, OCU dean of students. “Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages saw an opportunity to invest in the initiatives OCU provides to first-year students and the university’s support systems in place specifically for first-generation students.”
The funding provides scholarships and book stipends for eight first-generation students for the next five semesters. The students will serve as interns with the OCU Office of Career Services; Office of the Dean of Students; Office of Student Engagement; Office of Religious Life; and Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Students will apply for the scholarships, and the managing supervisors from each office will select the recipients for their respective areas.
First-generation students are commonly defined as students whose parent(s) did not earn a four-year college degree. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, “research shows that first-gen students often confront significant obstacles in accessing higher education, succeeding after enrollment, and graduating.” Such students are more likely to attend classes part-time or must find ways to make their class schedule work with a full-time job.
A Pew Research Foundation study in 2021 found that first-generation college graduates incurred more debt paying for their education.
“This scholarship will provide first-generation college students with experiential learning opportunities to explore and expand their professional interests while working toward their degrees. It will help to make their dreams their realities,” Harrel-Hallmark added.
For more information about the scholarship, contact Harrel-Hallmark at 405-208-6287 or [email protected].