Thoma Scholars Program

Our History

The Thoma family traces its roots back to rural New Mexico and the Oklahoma Panhandle. Growing up on his family’s ranch, Carl learned many lessons about hard work and determination from his parents. In particular, his mother, Imogene Thoma, instilled in her children a deep understanding of the value of education. Having graduated as valedictorian of her middle and high school classes, she became the first in her family to attend and graduate college when it was still uncommon for women to pursue a higher education degree. Year after year, Imogene’s parents saved money to pay for her college education, hoping to help their daughter build a successful future.

Shaped by his family’s history of hard work and perseverance, Carl prioritized his education from a young age. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class in Boise City, Oklahoma, where less than half of his graduating class of 33 students went on to college. Following graduation, Carl chose to study agricultural economics at Oklahoma State University. While working towards his degree, Carl met his wife, Marilynn, another brilliant student from rural Oklahoma. After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Carl and Marilynn both went on to earn their Master’s degrees at Stanford University and attain success in the business world.

For Students & Parents

The Thoma Scholars Program was created to invest in the dreams and aspirations of promising rural students while relieving the financial burden of higher education for students with demonstrated financial need. In return, Thoma Scholars are expected to serve as role models within their campus communities and beyond. The scholarship helps students complete their degrees with as close to zero debt as possible by collaborating with university partners to offer comprehensive support through financial aid, external scholarships, institutional concessions, and foundation contributions. Thoma Scholars may use their scholarships to cover tuition, housing, fees, meals, books, and an international study abroad experience.

Beyond financial support, the Thoma Scholars Program gives high-achieving students a path to promising futures through mentorship, educational support, and leadership training. All scholarship recipients will have access to a designated support specialist at their university to address academic concerns and everyday challenges that could otherwise prevent them from completing their degrees.

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Meet the 2024-2025 Thoma Scholars →

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For Education Professionals

Only 29% of young adults in rural areas are enrolled in a higher education program nationally, despite many talented students in these areas who could benefit from higher education. The Thoma Scholars Program seeks to address this disparity by partnering with educational professionals to support students in the rural Southwest region who have excelled academically and have demonstrated financial need. By focusing on rural areas of Northwest Oklahoma, West Texas, and Eastern New Mexico, the scholarship program aims to support students from areas with limited resources to achieve their highest potential.

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Attend an in-person information session with our Scholarship Program Director →