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by Burt Mummolo
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TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — It was a year ago when we told you about the frustration felt by the folks at the Simon Estes Educational Foundation.
"Disappointment, embarrassment, frustration," said Rev. Glenna Huber.
Those feelings came after the organization put together a scholarship information event at the library with the hope that TPS counselors would spread the news to students.
"We had representatives from education institutions; OU, OSU, TU to come out and talk about scholarships that were available," she said.
Unfortunately not a single student showed up.
"Oh my goodness we brought all of these people out here to meet all of our students and no one showed up," she said.
The hope in speaking out was that TPS would take note and ramp up their communication efforts to students. But fast forward a year and the number of applications are still a shadow of what they used to be.
"65 plus applications now we’re down to, I think last year we brought in 14," said Rev. Huber.
"I can’t say enough about the Foundation," said TPS school board member Dr. Jennettie Marshall, hopeful that this year will be different.
"I just hope that as a school district we will correct whatever situation, whatever problems we’ve had as far as communicating the message and that we will become a part of the message," she said.
TPS told us, "Tulsa Public Schools seeks to connect our students with every opportunity and resource to support their long-term success. Members of Team Tulsa, including postsecondary advisors supporting multiple high schools, have connected with representatives of this scholarship organization. We will continue equipping our students to consider the fit of this opportunity once the application opens in February."
Huber says a meeting has been scheduled for next week.
"If we had had a little bit more time with the counselors before now that gives better ramp up to the February launch," she said.
