Donors, current students and alumni gathered on May 17 to celebrate several milestones reached by the OU Debt-Free Teachers program. More than 100 students have now been admitted to the program, with $1 million in aid committed. A total of 18 students have completed their commitment to the program, all of whom are still teaching in Oklahoma. Donors who have given to the program, as well as students who are in the program, are in the teach-off phase, or have finished their teaching commitment, shared their stories.
The Debt-Free Teachers program is a merit- and need-based assistance initiative directed toward outstanding students in the college with significant debt associated with their education. This fund targets high-need areas in Oklahoma education in order to recruit and retain the nation’s best students. For each year they teach in the state—up to four years—up to $5,000 of their student loans are forgiven.
Eman Beck (top) and Faith Kelly Clune spoke to donors and recipients who gathered to celebrate the Debt-Free Teachers Program.