Applications for Sam Noble Scholarships in Agriculture and Technology are now available, and the Noble Foundation encourages area high school, college and technical students to apply.

Agriculture undergraduate scholarships are $2,500 per semester for up to nine semesters; graduate scholarships are $3,125 per semester for up to five semesters. Applicants must pursue a degree in an agriculture-related field at a university awarding baccalaureate or higher agriculture degrees through a College or Division of Agriculture. Examples of qualifying institutions include Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Goodwell), Texas Tech University (Lubbock) and Texas A&M University (College Station).

Technology scholarships are awarded for up to $1,875 per semester, for up to six semesters. Applicants must pursue an associate degree or technical certificate at Oklahoma State University in either Oklahoma City or Okmulgee.

"The Noble Foundation holds this scholarship program in high regard because it recognizes and honors Sam Noble, one of Lloyd Noble's sons and a long-time Noble Foundation trustee," said Michael A. Cawley, Noble Foundation president. "It also provides students in southern and southeastern Oklahoma the opportunity to excel in the areas of agriculture and technology."

To apply, students must plan to attend or be attending a qualifying university or technology training institution during the 2006-2007 school term and must reside in one of the following Oklahoma counties: Atoka, Bryan, Carter, Choctaw, Coal, Garvin, Jefferson, Johnston, Love, Marshall, McCurtain, Murray, Pontotoc, Pushmataha or Stephens.

Completed scholarship applications must be received by the Noble Foundation on or before February 15, 2006.

The scholarships are funded by a gift to the Foundation from the late Sam Noble of Ardmore. Noble felt strongly about the importance of a good education, once stating, "An excellent education is something that no one can ever take away from you; you can use it the rest of your life."

Applications and additional information regarding the scholarship program can be obtained by contacting Mary Kate Heltzel, Noble Foundation program officer, at (580) 224-6246 or by visiting www.noble.org/Admin/Granting/scholarship.html.

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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 program; and providing grants to non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations.