NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Students selected for Nacogdoches County’s Opportunity for a Better Learning Experience, or NOBLE program, can apply to receive one of nearly 30 $1,000 scholarships if they’re planning to attend or currently attend Stephen F. Austin State University.

NOBLE is a program sponsored by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, SFA and the local business community and is designed to encourage county high school students to take more demanding courses to help better prepare them for the world of work.

“These students must understand the importance of following appropriate high school curriculum pathways, practice good citizenship and self-control, and participate in service projects that contribute to the community,” said Dr. Judy Abbott, dean of SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education and chair of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.

Students who are selected for the scholarship can receive up to $4,000 during their college career at SFA by applying for this scholarship every year.

For their freshman year, NOBLE Scholars can work with their high school counselors to apply for the scholarship. For years two through four, they must apply for the scholarship by Feb. 1 each year through the standard process managed by SFA’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Sponsors of the scholarships include Citizens 1st Bank, The Daily Sentinel, Rex Perry Autoplex, and Fairchild, Price, Haley & Smith.

“We’re proud to partner with the Chamber of Commerce and the member businesses that fund these scholarships for local students recognized as NOBLE Scholars who are attending SFA,” Abbott said.

To apply for a NOBLE scholarship, contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at scholarship@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-2403.

To learn more about the NOBLE program, contact the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce at (936) 560-5533.