The application deadline for the Sam Noble Scholarships in Agriculture and Technology is less than a month away, and officials with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation are urging students to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Applications must be received by the Noble Foundation on or before Feb. 15, 2007. Requests for applications may be submitted online at www.noble.org or by contacting Mary Kate Wilson, Program Officer, at 580.224.6246.

"The application process will be open for a few more weeks," Wilson said. "However, the deadline is drawing closer, and we do not want anyone to miss the opportunity to apply."

The Sam Noble Scholarships continue the Noble Foundation's legacy of supporting higher education. Entering its ninth year, the scholarship program is available to southern Oklahoma students in all stages of the academic process - from incoming freshmen to those seeking graduate degrees.

"Sam Noble Scholarships have the potential to change a life," Wilson said. "We hope that every student - from those just beginning their education this fall to those who are already working toward a degree - takes advantage of the opportunity to apply for this scholarship."

Scholarships for students seeking undergraduate degrees in agriculture-related fields provide $2,500 of support per semester for up to nine semesters, while scholarships for graduate students offer $3,125 per semester for up to five semesters. Applicants must pursue their education at a university awarding baccalaureate or higher degrees through a division or college of agriculture. Eligible institutions include Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Texas A&M in College Station, TX, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, TX and any land grant institution in the remaining states.

Scholarships for those seeking degrees or certification in technology-related fields are awarded for up to $3,750 per year for up to two years. Applicants must pursue an associate's degree or technical certificate at Oklahoma State University's Oklahoma City or Okmulgee campus.

To be eligible to receive a scholarship, students must be a resident of one of the following southern Oklahoma counties: Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Coal, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Pontotoc, Pushmataha or Stephens.

The scholarship program is named in honor of the late Sam Noble of Ardmore, who created the program through a gift to the Noble Foundation. Sam Noble was a longtime member of the Noble Foundation Board of Trustees and son of Lloyd Noble, who established the Noble Foundation in 1945.

Sam Noble believed a quality education was one of the keys to leading a successful life. He once said, "An excellent education is something that no one can ever take away from you; you can use it the rest of your life."

Additional information regarding the scholarship program may be obtained by contacting Wilson at 580.224.6246 or by visiting www.noble.org/Admin/granting/scholarship.html.

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News Release Issued: January 15, 2007

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.