Applications for Sam Noble Scholarships in agriculture and technology are now available from The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation.

Entering its 11th year of assisting students, the Sam Noble Scholarships are available to eligible southern Oklahoma students in all stages of the academic process - from incoming freshmen to those seeking graduate degrees.

"The Sam Noble Scholarships have played a pivotal role in providing opportunities for students in southern Oklahoma for more than a decade," said Donna Windel, Director of Granting for the Noble Foundation. "We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity and apply as soon as possible."

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, such as Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Texas Tech University (Lubbock campus) or Texas A&M University (College Station campus).

Scholarships for those seeking degrees or certification in technology-related fields are awarded $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 plan to attend or be attending a qualifying university or technology training institution during the academic year 2009-2010. The students must also 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, who created the program through a gift to the Noble Foundation. Sam Noble was a long-time member of the Noble Foundation Board of Trustees and son of Lloyd Noble, who established the organization in 1945.

"Sam Noble believed a quality education was one of the keys to leading a successful life," said Michael A. Cawley, President of the Noble Foundation. "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.'"

The Sam Noble Scholarships are one of the Noble Foundation's many venues for supporting higher education. The Noble Foundation's efforts to provide educational opportunities began in 1946 with the organization's first grant to the University of Oklahoma.

Requests for applications for the Sam Noble Scholarships in agriculture and technology may be submitted online at www.noble.org or by contacting Annie Coble at 580.224.6247. Completed scholarship applications must be received on or before Feb. 16, 2009. For more information visit www.noble.org/Admin/granting/scholarship.html.

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News Release Issued: November 4, 2008

For media inquiries concerning the Noble Foundation, please contact J. Adam Calaway, Director of Public Relations, at 580.224.6209 or by email at jacalaway@noble.org.

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.