Seminole State College has announced a new scholarship initiative that will allow eligible concurrent students in the college’s five-county service area to attend SSC at no cost for fees and books, beginning in fall 2026.

The announcement was made by SSC President Lana Reynolds during the SSC Educational Foundation’s Spring Recognition Banquet on April 30.

Through the initiative, eligible high school juniors and seniors attending high school in Seminole, Pottawatomie, Hughes, Okfuskee and Lincoln counties — as well as homeschooled students who reside in one of those five counties — will automatically receive a scholarship covering the cost of fees and books after they qualify for the state’s concurrent student tuition waiver.

The scholarship will cover fees and books for up to 18 credit hours for high school seniors and up to 9 credit hours for high school juniors.

“This is something truly transformational at Seminole State College,” Reynolds said. “Beginning in fall 2026, eligible concurrent students in our five-county service area will be able to attend SSC for no cost.”

Concurrent enrollment allows high school students to earn college credit before graduation, helping them get a head start on a degree, reduce future college costs and build confidence in a college classroom. While the state tuition waiver already helps eligible concurrent students by covering tuition, many families still face additional costs for fees and books. SSC’s new scholarship is designed to close that gap.

“Students must still qualify for the state concurrent tuition waiver, and for those who do, this scholarship will apply automatically,” Reynolds said. “It means a student can start college sooner. It means a family can worry a little less. It means a young person in our service area can begin building a future without cost standing in the way.”

The scholarship will be funded through the Scott Empowerment Fund, an endowed fund established following Seminole State College’s historic $17 million gift from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving. The gift, announced last year, was the largest single donation in the college’s history.

Reynolds said the college is committed to stewarding the gift strategically to create long-term opportunities for students and strengthen the region SSC serves.

“That funding is endowed in perpetuity,” Reynolds said. “That means this gift is not just about one moment. It is about generations. It is about creating opportunities long into the future.”

In addition to supporting concurrent students, interest earned from the endowed fund will be used to make investments in the student experience, including updates to learning environments across campus.

New concurrent students should first visit with their high school counselor and receive approval before beginning the enrollment process. Returning concurrent students should contact their SSC academic advisor to discuss course options and next steps. To secure their preferred courses and class times, prospective students are encouraged to enroll before summer break.

More information about concurrent enrollment eligibility and application steps can be found at sscok.edu or by speaking to an advisor at advising@sscok.edu or 405-382-9797