Our History
Established in 1985, the Meridian Technology Center Foundation assists in the advancement of education and training opportunities for Meridian Technology Center students. As the needs of our students have expanded over the years, so has the fundraising mission of the Foundation. The Foundation continues to grow through the generosity of donations given by individuals, families, community organizations, and local business and industry partners.
Our Goal
The Meridian Technology Center Foundation’s goal is to remove the financial barrier that challenges so many individuals while pursuing their education. The Foundation serves students so they may realize their aspirations, and change their economic reality through a good career.
Contributions and gifts are used to provide scholarships and funding for student tuition, certification and testing fees, course materials and supplies, and necessary expenses that may be required for a student to successfully participate in class at Meridian Tech. Through the generous support of donors, students are truly able to experience all aspects of the education and training that Meridian Technology Center provides.
To Apply for Scholarships
Full-time programs and some short-term training courses qualify for scholarship funds. Adult students, including AEFL students and high school students, can use the funding for assistance while they pursue training for a career. Funding can be used toward student tuition, certification and testing fees, course materials and supplies, and necessary expenses that may be required for course or program completion. In some instances, scholarships can be awarded directly to the student for expenses related to their education.
Scholarship applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and awarded monthly as funds are available. Financial assistance determination is based on financial need, merit and availability of funds. Applicants must be in good standing with Meridian Technology Center to receive assistance from the Foundation.
To Donate
The way you decide to support the Meridian Technology Center Foundation can be as unique as you are. We will partner with you to create a one-of-a-kind giving opportunity based on your particular passion. Whether your gift is a one-time donation or an annual scholarship, your contribution makes an impact. Each year, a myriad of students attending Meridian can achieve their career training goals because of your support.
All gifts are tax-deductible, and you will receive an official acknowledgment and receipt for your gift. The Meridian Technology Center Foundation has 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.
For more information about the Foundation or to get involved, contact Rebecca Eastham at rebeccae@meridiantech.edu or 405.377.0323.
Types of Scholarships
Annual
Annual scholarships give donors flexibility in cost and commitment. Donors choose annually to continue providing scholarship funding. An annual gift in any amount may be used to provide a scholarship for a deserving Meridian Technology Center student. Gifts made to annual scholarships are generally not invested and do not earn additional income. Donors can direct their contribution to the general scholarship fund to help pay for tuition, student organization membership dues and career training supplies.
Endowments
An endowment is an amount of money given to the Meridian Technology Center Foundation with a stipulation that the funds are invested to earn annual interest rather than spent immediately. A portion of the annual earnings is used to award student scholarships. Endowments can be established with cash gifts, securities or other property, or may be funded with a series of gifts made over time. They may also be funded through a bequest, deferred gift or through a combination of lifetime and deferred gifts. Earnings will be awarded once the endowment reaches the minimum required funding level. Because the principal of the endowment is never spent, the gift represents an enduring tribute to the person honored by the fund.
Community Pillar Endowment
A community pillar endowment is a $10,000 gift, which may be funded over a period of years. The program recognizes companies, businesses and individuals who desire to strengthen the quality of life for others. Donors’ names will be permanently linked to the scholarship. This endowment can make a difference in the lives of others by putting education in their reach.
The Francis Tuttle Society
This endowment honors individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations making gifts of $25,000 or more to the Meridian Technology Center Foundation and was established in 1997 to honor Dr. Francis Tuttle for his unmatched contributions to vocational-technical education.
The Advocate Newsletter
You can learn more about the impact gifts to the Foundation make in the lives of recipients and their careers through The Advocate. The newsletter has information about students, donors, and Foundation events. Click here to see the latest issue of the Advocate newsletter.
The Foundation Board
The Board of Directors provides oversight of The Foundation. The Board consists of voting members from the school district and non-voting members from Meridian staff.
2024 Foundation Board of Directors
Donna Parrish, President
Stacy Leming, Vice President
Pat Cheap, Member
Juergen Janzen, Member
Randy Kellogg, Member
Dan Newton, Member
Chris Petermann, Member
Dr. Joe Williams, Member
Dr. Rebecca Eastham|Executive Director
Tammy Ford, Secretary | Treasurer
Dr. Douglas Major | Ex-Officio Member
The Meridian Technology Center Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex/gender, age, marital or veteran status, religion, pregnancy, or genetic information or disability in awarding of scholarships funds.
