As the fall semester begins, one Austin Community College District (ACC) Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) student is getting extra support to complete her degree. ACC Education student Jennifer Ebert is one of only eight students internationally to be named a 2021 Oberndorf Scholar. 

“After going through an initial reaction of shock and surprise, I felt a great sense of pride and accomplishment earning this scholarship,” says Jennifer. “It’s no secret that college is expensive, so every opportunity at a scholarship helps.”

The $1,000 Oberndorf Lifeline to Completion Scholarship is awarded to PTK students who have overcome a financial barrier that could prevent completion of college. 

As a non-traditional student only doing distance learning, Jennifer decided to join PTK to help connect with other students. 

“Not only have I made lifelong friends, but I have also learned about resources and opportunities I never knew were available. I have developed leadership skills and increased my confidence, and discovered a supportive community to which I belong.”

Jennifer is also a mother of four and working full time as she pursues her degree. The extra scholarship support is helping Jennifer stay on track.

“All my inspiration comes from my children. I want to give them the best life possible and see that you shouldn’t let anything come in the way of achieving your goals. Every one of my successes and failures serves as a teachable moment for my children and myself.”

The Oberndorf scholarship is named for its benefactors, Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf. Lou co-founded METI, a world leader in medical education technology, and is a member of the PTK Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Without a doubt, the Oberndorf Scholarship has a tremendous impact on the lives of these hard-working, high-achieving students, making it possible for them to complete their associate degrees,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director of the PTK Foundation. “We are grateful to the Oberndorf family for their commitment to helping students achieve their educational goals. Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients!”

For more information or to join PTK, visit austincc.edu/ptk.