One of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, a company of Arca Continental, has generously established a scholarship benefitting first-generation students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Scholarship Fund at SWOSU will provide meaningful financial support to SWOSU students who, upon degree completion, will be the first members of their families to graduate from an institution of higher education.
“SWOSU and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages have a long-standing partnership and we are deeply grateful for this kind investment in our students,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. “Diane” Lovell. “This thoughtful gift from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages will help us put invaluable resources into the hands of our first-generation Bulldogs here on the Hilltop.”
First-generation students are commonly defined as students whose parent(s) did not earn a four-year college degree. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, “research shows that first-gen students often confront significant obstacles in accessing higher education, succeeding after enrollment, and graduating.” Such students are more likely to attend classes part time, or must find ways to make their class schedule work with a full-time job.
A Pew Research Foundation study in 2021 found that first-generation college graduates incurred substantial levels of debt when paying for their education.
The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Scholarship Fund is stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships, and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information about the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Scholarship Fund or any Foundation funds, please contact Ms. Dani Ledonne, Advancement Communications Coordinator, at 580-774-3267, dani.ledonne@swosu.edu