The SREB Regional Contract Forgivable Loan for Optometry Program will be awarded to provide educational opportunities to students who wish to become an optometrist and to address Mississippi's health care shortage by providing a constant source of qualified optometrists. SREB awards will be made available, to the extent of appropriated funds, to persons seeking an optometry degree at an approved out-of-state school in exchange for employment as a practicing optometrist in the State of Mississippi. The loan can be forgiven on the basis of one year's service for one year of loan received. Funds will be made available to eligible participants for up to four years. The State of Mississippi contracts with two out-of-state institutions through the SREB Regional Contract Program to secure seats for Mississippi residents. A total of 9 new (first year) students can be awarded each year, 2 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and 7 at Southern College of Optometry. Students must first be accepted by the institution. Applicants must be a legal resident of the State of Mississippi for one year prior to application. They must be in good standing on any prior federal, state, or local educational loan. New and some renewal applicants with a break in enrollment will be required to submit two forms of residency documentation. Preferred residency documents are FAFSA and Mississippi driver's license. Alternate residency documents that may be accepted are State Tax Return (not Federal) for the current tax filing year; homestead exemption; voter registration; or MS Road and Bridge Privilege Tax Registration Receipt. The application deadline is March 31 and the deadline for the submission of required documents is June 30. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.