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The University of Tulsa is opening its doors to students leaving Afghanistan as the Taliban takes over the country.
On Tuesday, the university announced that it will immediately offer scholarships to two Afghan refugees who want to pursue an undergraduate degree. The scholarships will cover the cost of attendance for up to four years.
“It is our hope to expand the global connections for which TU is known, promote a spirit of free inquiry and advance humanitarian efforts by assisting Afghan students at this difficult and historic time. Our hearts go out to each of them,” President Brad Carson said in a statement.
It was a personal decision by Carson to offer the scholarships, TU spokesperson Mona Chamberlin told News On 6.
"President Carson is an Iraq war veteran, and I think he really saw what was going on and his heart went out to these people," she said.
She also said that the university believed its the right thing to do considering its resources. The scholarships will not take away from other students' financial aid.
University leadership also hopes the scholarships will encourage other schools in the U.S. to do the same.
“In addition to providing financial aid, The University of Tulsa stands ready to address the mental and emotional needs of these displaced students and prepare them to give back as successful TU alumni. We challenge other organizations to consider similar support for the Afghan people," said Carson.
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must
- Apply as a first-time undergraduate for a bachelor’s degree.
- Have fled Afghanistan and can legally enter, or have legally entered, the United States.
- Demonstrate they would not have the financial means to otherwise attend TU.
- Be able to lawfully study full-time in the U.S.