Oklahoma State University Launches Horizon Scholars Program 2025 with $12 Million Donor Support
Oklahoma State University (OSU) has introduced the Horizon Scholars Program, an attractive new scholarship initiative backed by $12 million in generous gifts from 12 alumni families. Officially launched on July 15, 2025, the program will begin with the Fall 2026 freshman class and offers financial support, personalized mentoring, and career-building experiences for academically strong and community-minded students.
This scholarship is a comprehensive student success program grounded in a Cowboy Code, encouraging leadership, curiosity, resilience, and excellence.
What is the Horizon Scholars Program
The Horizon Scholars Program is a renewable, four-year scholarship initiative developed in collaboration with OSU President Dr. Jim Hess and a dedicated group of Cowboy alumni. It aims to shape well-rounded student leaders through targeted financial aid, academic enrichment, mentorship, and real-world experiences.
Funded entirely by private donors, the program is part of a broader OSU Foundation vision to provide every student with the opportunity to benefit from a donor-funded scholarship.
What Does the Scholarship Include?
Selected Horizon Scholars will receive:
$7,500 annually for up to four years
$5,000 one-time stipend for a study abroad program
$5,000 one-time internship/work experience stipend
In-state tuition benefits for all out-of-state recipients
Personalized mentorship with donors and OSU leaders
Opportunities for leadership development, networking, and career readiness
What makes this package unique is that it can be stacked with other financial aid, creating a fully supported and immersive student experience.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the Horizon Scholars Program:
You must be an incoming first-time freshman enrolling at OSU’s Stillwater campus in Fall 2026.
You should demonstrate:
Strong academic performance
Community service and extracurricular leadership
Curiosity, ambition, and a growth mindset aligned with the Cowboy Code
There are no restrictions on major or college—students from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply.
How to Apply
Apply for admission to OSU for the Fall 2026 semester.
Only Eligible students will be invited to apply for the Horizon Scholars Program.
Complete the separate Horizon Scholars application by November 1, 2025.
Submit additional required materials, including a video essay.
🔗 Application details and info
What Makes Horizon Scholars Different?
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
All Horizon Scholars will take part in a specially designed curriculum rooted in humanities, STEM, and social sciences, emphasizing:
Critical and creative thinking
Writing and analysis
Engagement with real-world challenges
Global Exposure & Career Preparation
The program includes:
Study abroad opportunities to broaden students’ worldviews
Professional internships supported by Eastin Center for Career Readiness
Hands-on leadership programs, seminars, and campus involvement activities
Application Tips for a Strong Submission
Tip #1: Be Authentic in Your Video Essay
Use your video to reflect who you are—not just your achievements. Share a story that reflects your recent major successes, values, future goals, or growth. Ensure your application should demonstrate alignment with the Cowboy Code (work ethic, honesty, integrity, loyalty).
Tip #2: Highlight Community Engagement
Talk about how you’ve made a difference in your school, family, or local community—and how you plan to pay it forward at OSU.
What OSU Leaders and Donors Say
President Jim Hess emphasized the program’s mission to develop leaders shaped by both education and character:
“Hard work and paying it forward are what make our alums so special. These students will begin their journey to join them.”
Donors like Bryan and Jessica Begley shared that the program reflects their desire to help students become highly competitive in future careers, while Joe and Monica Eastin emphasized the role of leadership development through the Eastin Center.
Long-Term Vision
The OSU Foundation envisions the Horizon Scholars Program supporting 400 students annually with the help of up to 20 donor families. It is a long-term investment in transforming OSU’s student landscape into one where every student has access to a funded, meaningful college experience.
“Our ultimate vision is that every student at Oklahoma State is connected through a donor-funded four-year scholarship.” – Blaire Atkinson, OSU Foundation President
Other USA Scholarships
About Love Scholarship 2025–26 at Bennett College – Fully Funded Creative Arts Awards
- New Lerner Scholarships for Blue Hens Returning to UD for Graduate School in 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for the Horizon Scholars Program?
The program is open to incoming first-time freshmen admitted to OSU’s Stillwater campus for Fall 2026. Students from any academic major may apply, but must show a combination of academic strength, leadership, ambition, and alignment with OSU’s Cowboy Code.
2. Can the Horizon Scholars award be combined with other OSU scholarships or financial aid?
Yes. The Horizon Scholars Program is designed to support other scholarships, such as merit-based awards or need-based aid. This ensures bright and need based students receive maximum financial support throughout their four years.
3. What is required for the application process?
Applicants must:
Apply for admission to OSU (Stillwater) for Fall 2026 through their official webite.
Afterthat receive an invitation to apply for the Horizon Scholars Program
Submit additional materials including a video essay, academic records, and optional recommendations
Complete the Horizon Scholars application by November 1, 2025
4. What types of experiences will Horizon Scholars have during their time at OSU?
Scholars will participate in:
A custom interdisciplinary curriculum
Leadership development workshops
Internships and career training through the Eastin Center
Study abroad programs funded by a one-time $5,000 award
Mentoring and networking with donors and OSU faculty
These elements ensure students graduate well-prepared, confident, and globally minded.
Final Thoughts
The Horizon Scholars Program at Oklahoma State University is basically a commitment to shaping future leaders, thinkers, and community-builders. Most importantly backed by OSU’s passionate alumni and university leadership, this initiative opens new doors for students who bring ambition, character, and vision to campus.
If you’re applying for Fall 2026 and want more than just a degree—this is your horizon.
Apply by November 1, 2025
For more scholarships, please visit wemakeyouscholar.com
