Althea Peterson
The Norman Transcript

AT--T Inc. announced a $1.5 million contribution to the University of Oklahoma Foundation to create and support a new scholarship endowment program for Native American students. The program is being funded by the AT--T Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AT--T Inc.

AT--T Oklahoma President Don Cain and University of Oklahoma President David Boren made the announcement at a luncheon attended by U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, representatives from many of Oklahoma's 39 tribal organizations, OU Native American students and numerous state officials. The event also featured an address by Wilma Mankiller, the former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Cain said the program will be named the AT--T Oklahoma Native American Scholars program.

"As a company that's been doing business in Oklahoma since before statehood, AT--T is proud to support a scholarship program that encourages Native American students to attend this great university and assists them in fulfilling their dreams," Cain said.
Boren said the donation shows AT--T's commitment and leadership to the state and education.

"This exciting new program pays tribute to our state's rich Native American history by enriching and enhancing the minds and lives of our Native American youth," he said.

Under the new program, OU will work with tribal offices and high schools to encourage students interested in studying technology-related fields to attend OU. Students pursuing degrees in computer sciences, engineering, math and science will be given first consideration. The scholarship committee also will look for students with special needs or who are the first generation in their families to attend college.

Scholarships will range from $1,000 to $2,500 for tuition and stipends, which will assist 38 students each year. OU will take applications for the scholarships beginning fall 2007.

Cole said the scholarships are important to furthering education for young Native Americans.

"AT--T and OU are establishing a program that not only will help a young Native American earn an education he or she might not otherwise have received, but a program that will also benefit our many tribal organizations and our state's economy," he said.

In her address, Mankiller said that the "history, contemporary lives and future of Native America are intertwined with that of surrounding communities."

"This scholarship for Native American students will benefit all of Oklahoma when a cadre of well-educated professionals join the workforce of tribal governments and non-tribal businesses and organizations throughout the state," Mankiller said.