The Opportunity Plan, Inc. Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Students and Donors

Milton “Buff” Morris believed in students. He truly felt that every student who had the desire and the determination to attend college should be given the opportunity to do so. As Director of the Alumni Association at West Texas State College in the 1950s, Morris saw numerous students who dropped out of school because they could not pay their bills. He made loans out of his own pocket until he realized that something on a bigger scale was needed.

Morris made it his mission to raise money from local communities to help students attend college. His dream became reality when The Opportunity Plan, Inc. was established in 1954.

The program administers student loan and scholarship divisions that are privately funded by donors across the United States. Donors are not charged any fees for the administration of their funds. Those who contribute the funds can specify criteria for their loan or scholarship division.

Interest is not charged on the program’s loans while students are in school. Loan recipients often receive scholarship funds through the program to help reduce their loan balances. The current interest rate on Opportunity Plan student loans is 5%. Students work one-on-one with members of the Opportunity Plan staff each semester to determine the best solution for their financial needs.

From an initial contribution of $500, The Opportunity Plan, Inc. has grown to an entity worth in excess of $22 million. In 2003, the program disbursed more than $1 million in loans and scholarships to assist students. A total of 142 student loan divisions and 133 scholarship divisions are administered by a staff of five individuals. More than 7,500 students have received assistance through the Opportunity Plan during the past 50 years.

Today the program continues to grow and adjust in an effort to best meet the needs of students. Opportunity Plan President Cathryn Wright utilizes her 25+ years in the program to make the most of its assets, just as her father did.

The Opportunity Plan, Inc. will celebrate this significant milestone with an anniversary luncheon on Saturday, October 16 at the West Texas A&M University Event Center in Canyon. Ron Clark, Disney’s "Teacher of the Year" in 2000, will serve as guest speaker for the event. The day will include a silent auction, book signing and reception with Mr. Clark. Ticket information is available by contacting a member of the Opportunity Plan staff by e-mail (info@opportunityplan.com) or by phone (806-655-2528).

Join in the festivities as The Opportunity Plan, Inc. celebrates its history and looks forward to even greater achievements.