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. Funds will be made available to eligible participants for up to four years. 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. 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 applicants 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, and vehicle registration. The application deadline is March 31; and the submission of documents deadline is June 30. Please visit the award's website or contact the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid for more information.