Union High Named 6A OK Promise Champion for Seventh Straight Year

For seven consecutive years, Union Public Schools has been recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education as the Oklahoma’s Promise 2018 State 6A Champion for having 154 seniors from the class of 2018 qualify for the Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship.
Oklahoma’s Promise, also known as the Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP), is state funded. It allows students, from families whose annual income is $50,000 or less, to earn a scholarship to an Oklahoma public college or university or it can be used to pay for a portion of tuition at eligible private colleges in Oklahoma.
“We are honored that Union High School has been named the 6A Oklahoma’s Promise Champion for 2018,” said John Federline, executive director of Secondary Education. “This is the seventh year in a row we have won this award and we are so thankful for the hard work of our administrators, counselors, and teachers who ensure that high numbers of students are encouraged to sign up for this incredible scholarship program.”
In 2017, 152 seniors qualified for scholarships, 129 in 2016, 158 in 2015, 174 in 2014, 166 in 2013, and 128 in 2012.
Beginning in the eighth grade, Union’s academic counselors work with families and begin signing students up for eligibility in the Oklahoma’s Promise program. Counseling teams continue to support students throughout high school monitoring student enrollment, student grade point averages and cheering on each student. As Union students enter their senior year, the academic counselors team with College and Career counselors to ensure that every student eligible has his or her paperwork completed and sent to the regents.
Overall, eight schools – including Union – were named champions statewide. The schools lead the state in the number of graduates who met the requirements to receive a scholarship through Oklahoma’s Promise.
Recognized by many as America’s best college access program, Oklahoma’s Promise was created in 1992 by the Legislature to help more Oklahoma families send their children to college. The scholarship pays tuition at any Oklahoma public college or university until the student receives a bachelor’s degree or for five years, whichever comes first. It will also cover a portion of tuition at an accredited Oklahoma private institution. The scholarship does not cover the cost of fees, books, or room and board.
For more information about Oklahoma’s Promise or to apply online, visit okpromise.org. Information is also available by calling 800-858-1840.