Rose State College Mass Communications students will benefit from new scholarship opportunities and additional student media support thanks to a generous contribution from the A-Mark Foundation.
Through its student journalism scholarship program, the A-Mark Foundation awarded Rose State College student Sage Hightower a $5,000 scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year, distributed as $2,500 per semester to help cover educational expenses. The foundation also provides $500 annually to support the College’s student newspaper and magazine. Both contributions will renew annually for as long as the respective programs continue through the A-Mark Foundation.
RSC sophomore student Sage Hightower has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the A-Mark Foundation Journalism Scholarship at Rose State.
“I am so grateful to be selected for this scholarship,” said Sage Hightower. “It represents a faith in my abilities that encourages me to continue to pursue a career in journalism.”
Sage is actively involved in campus life at Rose State College, serving as head community assistant at The Village, the College’s on-campus housing community; editor of 15th Street News, the student newspaper; editor of The 6420, the student magazine; and a member of the President’s Leadership Class (PLC). Through these roles, Hightower has gained valuable experience in leadership, communication, journalism, and student engagement. After graduating from Rose State, she plans to pursue a career in communications and continue her education at the University of Central Oklahoma.
The scholarship recognizes the importance of supporting aspiring journalists as they develop the skills needed to pursue careers in mass communication, with a focus in journalism. By helping offset educational expenses, the award lets students focus on their academic goals while gaining valuable field experience.
In addition to the scholarship, the annual contribution to Rose State’s student publications will support student journalism and give students opportunities to strengthen their reporting, writing, and storytelling skills.
“This investment reflects the importance of providing students with opportunities to develop their voices, tell meaningful stories, and gain hands-on journalism experience,” said Darcy Delaney-Nelson, RSC Mass Communication Program Coordinator & Student Publications Adviser. “We are grateful to the A-Mark Foundation for supporting our students and recognizing the value of journalism education.”
The A-Mark Foundation’s ongoing commitment will provide lasting support for Rose State’s journalism program, helping future generations of students pursue their educational and professional goals.
Through partnerships with organizations like the A-Mark Foundation, Rose State College continues to expand opportunities for student success and prepare graduates for careers in a changing media landscape.