Gas prices are still high and the cost of college tuition is outrageous. For many students across the country, oil and education do have a symbiotic relationship that has a far greater repercussion than just admission to college. Are oil companies offering scholarships to deserving students out of the goodness of their hearts? Unfortunately, I think otherwise.
The Murphy Oil Company of El Dorado, Ark. recently announced that it would be allocating $50 million for college scholarships over a 20-year span for all El Dorado High School seniors, according to The New York Times. The scholarship can be used towards both Arkansas public or private, out-of-state colleges. According to the oil company’s Web site, “$220,000 has been paid to students winning 715 awards.”
ExxonMobil, a much larger oil corporation, has put forth more than $40 million for educational purposes. Shell Oil, Chevron and other well-known companies, also sponsor student scholarships around the U.S.
All of these oil companies stress the need to give back to the community and underline the importance of education. Many give special scholarships to math and science initiatives in hopes of funding projects and research to discover alternative energy sources.
It is admirable that these companies want to improve the quality of life for worthy individuals. However, I cannot help but assume that community and educational involvement is just another marketing scheme, albeit an expensive one.
The only way I can afford to attend Fairfield is because of scholarships and other forms of financial aid. I know how expensive this university is. Then, why am I discussing essentially free money for high school graduates given to them by oil companies that could fund their education? Because this money is not free; there is actually a high ethical price tag attached.
If I received a partial or full scholarship from an oil company to attend any university of my choice, I would not accept it. I am in full support of gifting money to students or environment initiatives that could improve our current social crisis. But with oil as the center focus for the war in Iraq, and with the environment rapidly deteriorating, I would seriously question accepting this marketing ploy from oil companies.
Passing up a scholarship might seem ludicrous and would not even be a consideration for some students and their parents. Nonetheless, students should know the source of their scholarships and understand that there may be politics involved.
Scholarships and grants may be the ticket to a dream education. Ultimately, it is up to students to consider and weigh the consequences of their decision to either accept or reject corporate funded scholarships.
Fairfield, as a Jesuit institution, stresses and fosters ethical and social responsibility. Common sense dictates that you make decisions not only for yourself but also for the good of others.
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