The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc. awarded Douglass High School senior Koda Hicks a $60,000 OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship, celebrating his remarkable journey of perseverance, academic success, and dedication to uplifting others.

A parade of classmates, teachers, community members, OG&E representatives and local dignitaries surprised Koda at a schoolwide celebration announcing his selection. The $60,000 scholarship covers tuition, books, fees, and on-campus room and board for all four years of college.

“Congratulations to Koda, one of our three 2025 OG&E Positive Energy Scholars,” said Sean Trauschke, OGE Energy Corp. Chairman, President and CEO. “Koda has faced adversity with strength, compassion, and purpose. His resilience and determination inspire us all, and it’s a privilege to help him pursue his dreams.”

Each year, OG&E awards the Positive Energy Scholarship to three students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Koda’s journey exemplifies the scholarship’s mission: He has overcome hardship, and dedicated himself to service, cultural leadership, and academic achievement. With the assistance provided from the OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship, Koda plans to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he will major in finance with a focus on nonprofit financial advising. He aims to support Native American nonprofit organizations with financial guidance and resources.

“Losing my housing situation was inconceivable,” said Koda. “I am grateful for the people I have in my community and I want to foster that growth and help my people. My goal is to support nonprofits and help fund the organizations that do the Lord’s work every day.”

Koda’s community involvement impressed the selection committee with his leadership in the Oklahoma City Youth Council, where he served as co-president and helped fundraise for organizations such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), The National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA), and American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL). 

“This is an exclusive opportunity to have so many options at once,” said Koda. “It’s truly an honor to be awarded this scholarship and become the first winner from Douglass!” 

Established in 2019, the OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship empowers academically strong students by providing critical financial support. Eligible students must meet specific criteria to be considered, including:

• Be a graduating high school senior from the OG&E service area.
• Attend a college in either Oklahoma or Arkansas.
• Pursue a degree in a STEM-related major.
• Have an unweighted grade point average greater than or equal to 3.25.
• Achieve an ACT score of greater than or equal to 25 and/or an SAT score greater than or equal to 1200.

OG&E­­­­, a subsidiary of OGE Energy Corp., provides our customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas with the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes with some of the nation's lowest electric rates. We are committed to generating and delivering electricity, protecting the environment, and providing excellent service to approximately 900,000 customers. Our employees live, work, and volunteer in the communities we serve. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.