Some Bartlesville Students Getting Help To Attend Oklahoma State

Some Bartlesville 5th graders were surprised with free tickets to a brighter future. They're the first selected by a brand new foundation that targets kids when they're young, giving them the

Wednesday, August 9th 2006, 6:21 am

By: News On 6

Some Bartlesville 5th graders were surprised with free tickets to a brighter future. They're the first selected by a brand new foundation that targets kids when they're young, giving them the means and motivation to make it to college.

The program benefits children at Jane Phillips Elementary School, a school with more than 90-percent of students on free and reduced lunches.

The Lowe Family Young Scholars Program will provide these seven kids with a university scholarship and a mentor from fifth grade until they walk through the door at OSU.

Carolyn Turinetti: "I always envisioned all of my kids going to college, but I never saw how."

Carolynâ€™s son David: "My parents really want me to have a scholarship, and for me to be able to go to college and I've looked forward to it. So, I'm just really, really glad."

Bartlesville residents Barry and Karen Lowe started the program, pledging a million dollars. OSU will match the rest for eventually 20 Jane Phillips students a year to attend the university.

Kids are chosen by academic achievement, need and their willingness to stick with the program.