The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation will continue its legacy of supporting higher education by offering scholarships for students seeking agriculture and technology degrees.

For the ninth year, The Sam Noble Scholarships in agriculture and technology are available to southern Oklahoma students in all stages of the academic process - from incoming freshmen to those seeking graduate degrees.

"The Sam Noble Scholarships provide tremendous support for students looking to advance their education in these two fields of study," said Mary Kate Wilson, Program Officer 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 or Texas A&M University.

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.

"The Sam Noble scholarship program is the continuation of the Noble family's belief in education," said Michael A. Cawley, President of the Noble Foundation. "The Noble Foundation was established and built to improve the vitality of Oklahoma's natural resources through conservation and education. This scholarship program provides support for Oklahoma's most important resource - the next generation."

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 long-time member of the Noble Foundation Board of Trustees and son of Lloyd Noble, who established the Noble Foundation in 1945.

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."

Requests for applications for the Sam Noble Scholarships in agriculture and technology may be submitted online at www.noble.org or by contacting Wilson at 580.224.6246. Completed scholarship applications must be received by the Noble Foundation on or before February 15, 2007.

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 2007-2008. 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.

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News Release Issued: November 7, 2006

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.