Despite economic strains, LSC-O students find funds for college

Over the past few months, parents and students have been concerned about the economic strains and financial resources available for college students. However, furthering one’s education is an opportunity that cannot be overlooked or taken for granted.  LSC-O students have worked hard to make sure they do not pass up such an excellent opportunity to attend a quality institution close to home. 

For the fall 2009 semester, two LSC-O students within the education field, Brandy Johnson and Kristina Peoples, received scholarships from the P.E.O. Sisterhood organization. Johnson, of Orange, and Peoples, of Vidor, are both planning to enter the teaching field.  Both are very active in student organizations; Peoples serves as the president of Teachers of Tomorrow (T.O.T.) and will be the president of the Student Government Association during the next school year; Johnson is also a member of T.O.T. and helped raise funds for March of Dimes this year.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic and educational organization interested in offering women increased opportunities for higher education.  The Sisterhood, founded in 1869 at Iowa Wesleyan College, owns and operates Cottey College for women in Nevada, Missouri, and administers six different funds and scholarship programs internationally that encourage and assist women in pursuit of a better education.  The local chapter, established in 1986, has a membership of 30, and administers two scholarship programs which are currently assisting five local women, including three students at Lamar University in Beaumont. Mrs. Rozan Coody serves as the president. 

Johnson and Peoples shared the sentiment that the ladies from the organization, especially Mrs. Beverly Millsap, who has been involved with the Sisterhood for 20 years, are “very knowledgeable” and “care about the students-financially and emotionally.”  Millsap and Coody strongly believe in furthering education for women; the organization helps in that area, as well as in forming close bonds with a diverse group of people.  They enjoy keeping in touch with current and past scholarship recipients to see how the students are progressing in school and career paths.  Coody and Millsap echoed, “We want to encourage you....We see how important a degree is.”

Each of the students had personal family situations that could have easily made them decide to discontinue their enrollment at the College, but they have the determination to press on for that degree.  Peoples added, “School can be expensive, and I’m appreciative of any help I can get....It’s [managing family/children and school] hard, but it’s worth it.”

Scholarship amounts vary from $350-500 each semester. Since the chapter’s organization 23 years ago, 35 women from this area have received funds to assist with their education, representing the fields of teaching, educational administration, nursing, and dental hygiene.

During the spring 2008 semester, eight students received various scholarships from Com-STEM. Com-STEM stands for Community-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education initiative.  It is funded by the National Science Foundation in conjunction with McNeese State University.  The purpose is to encourage students to pursue STEM-related degrees by providing scholarships.

LSC-O students majoring in natural science, computer science, medical laboratory technology, industrial technology, and process technology are eligible.  Students pursuing degrees in math or engineering are also encouraged to apply.  Com-STEM related degrees at LSC-O include:

Scholarship amounts depend on the number of applicants awarded and amount of funding available.  In the past, scholarships have ranged from as little as $500 to as much as $1200. 

The most recent Com-STEM scholarship winners for the spring 2009 semester with their fields of study and scholarship amounts are:

Franchesca Cole, Process Technology - $1200
Kassey Humberson, Natural Science - $1200
Steven Andrews, Industrial Technology - $1000
Horace Boatner, Industrial Technology - $1200
Emily Ford, Natural Science - $1200
Rajibul Hasan, Natural Science - $1200
Jamika Moore, Industrial Technology - $1200
Kristi Smith, Medical Laboratory - $1000
Henry Thibodeaux, Natural Science - $800

Although the economy has had its ups and downs, the importance of higher education cannot be ignored.  If you are in need of financial assistance and don’t want to rely on loans, be sure to start early and search for the many scholarships available.  Visit www.lsco.edu/Students/Students_Financial_Aid.htm or call (409) 882-3936 for more information on how LSC-O can help you further your education.