OKLAHOMA CITY – The people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas have awarded 59 university students, 11 teachers and their schools more than one-third of a million dollars in scholarships and grants.
The Top Teachers of 2022 were selected from among more than 200 nominees. The honorees included Katherine Hergenrether of Eisenhower Senior High School in Lawton. Each of the 11 teachers received $5,000 and their respective schools will receive $2,000.
“One of our core missions is supporting education,” Oklahoma Energy Resources Board Executive Director Mindy Stitt said. “The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas are passionate about recognizing teachers for their efforts in creating the next generation of leaders.”
In addition to the teachers, 59 students at state universities have been awarded $283,000 in scholarships from the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas for the 2022-2023 academic year.
The scholarship recipients, part of the OERB’s Petroleum Scholar Program, were selected through an application process based on their outstanding grades and work ethic. They include freshmen through seniors majoring in petroleum engineering, geosciences or energy management at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa.
Since 2005, the people of Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas have provided more than $5 million in scholarships. The goal of the program is to keep these future leaders in this state.
Students can apply during each year of undergraduate work. The scholarship amount increases annually, with a $7,500 maximum scholarship for seniors. Petroleum Scholars also receive exclusive access to industry networking events and educational activities. The scholarship application period for the 2023-2024 school year will be opened on Nov. 1. For a list of criteria or for more information, visit oerb.com/scholarships.
The OERB is funded by more than 2,500 producers and thousands of royalty owners across Oklahoma through a voluntary assessment of one-tenth of 1 percent on oil and natural gas production. Since 1993, the agency’s purpose is to clean historic well sites and support educational initiatives.