A record-breaking amount of scholarship dollars will be awarded to students at state universities studying petroleum-related fields.

The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas are announcing $539,500 in scholarship funds will be awarded to 97 students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB), funded by the oil and natural gas industry, provides scholarships for students majoring in petroleum engineering, geoenergy engineering, geosciences and energy management at Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa.

Among the recipients will be Michael Cunning, a petroleum engineering major at OU from Cashion.

“By investing in their academic journeys, we are investing in the future of our industry and our state,” said OERB Executive Director Mindy Stitt, a graduate of Dover High School.

“We believe by providing scholarships to outstanding students like these 94 recipients, we are fostering the future of American energy.”

OU has pledged its support by matching the geoscience and petroleum engineering scholarship dollars provided by the OERB. This matching contribution amounts to $191,750, elevating the total impact to $731,250.

Students can apply for the scholarships during each year of undergraduate work.

The amount increases annually, with a $7,500 maximum scholarship for seniors.

Petroleum scholars also receive exclusive access to industry networking events and educational activities.

The scholarship application period for the 2025-26 school year will open on Nov. 1. For a list of criteria or for more information, visit oerb.com/ scholarships.