The application period for the Sam Noble Scholarships in Agriculture and Technology will close in two weeks. All applications must be received by the Noble Foundation on or before Feb. 15, 2008 to receive consideration.

Requests for applications may be submitted online at www.noble.org or by contacting Mary Kate Wilson, Program Officer, at 580.224.6246.

"The deadline is drawing closer and we do not want anyone to miss the opportunity to apply," Wilson said. "I'm urging all students to get their applications in as soon as possible."

The Sam Noble Scholarships have supported students seeking undergraduate degrees in agriculture or technology-related fields for a decade now. The scholarship program is available to southern Oklahoma students in all stages of the academic process - from incoming freshmen to those seeking graduate degrees.

"A Sam Noble Scholarship could 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."

Scholarships for students working toward 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, Texas, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas 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.