Following are application dates for student contests, scholarships, and internships. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*February-March ART AND WRITING
Scholastic Books announces the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for students currently enrolled in grades 7-12. The contest recognizes approximately 50,000 regional winners. Nationally, 1,100 students’ individual works receive Pinnacle, Gold, or Silver Awards in each of 16 art and eight writing categories. High school seniors also may submit a body of art or writing for Portfolio Awards. In June, national award recipients are honored at a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The Corcoran Gallery features the winning art, and the Washington Monarch Hotel hosts a reading to celebrate writing-award winners. Scholastic annually bestows nearly $250,000 in cash awards on the national and regional level. In addition, seniors who submit portfolios compete for scholarships totaling $1.5 million. Deadlines vary depending on regions. For more information, contact: Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (212) 343-6493 or (212) 343-6892; e-mail A&WGeneralInfo@Scholastic.com; www.scholastic.com/artandwriting .
March WRITING AND ILLUSTRATION
PBS and Reading Rainbow are accepting entries for the Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, inviting children in grades K-3 to let their imaginations run wild as storybook writers and illustrators. Entries can be nonfiction or fiction, prose or poetry, and must be accompanied by a minimum of five original color illustrations. A panel of local community judges evaluates entries based on originality, creative expression, storytelling, and integration of copy and illustrations. Local winners from each grade are selected to participate in the national competition. Prizes for national winners include a computer, printer, VCR, and Reading Rainbow library set. Deadlines vary according to individual stations. For more information, including contact information for state stations, visit the Web site, gpn.unl.edu/rainbow.
March 1 EPILEPSY
Pfizer, a national pharmaceutical company, invites nominations for the Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship for college students and college-bound high school seniors. Nominees must have a record of academic and extracurricular excellence and must be undergoing treatment by a physician for epilepsy. Sixteen $3,000 scholarships are awarded. For more information, contact: Paul Darrah, Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship Award, IntraMed Educational Group, 230 Park Ave. S., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10003; (212) 614-4100; paul_darrah@nyc.sudler.com.
March 1 ESSAYS
Kaplan Inc. and Newsweek magazine invite college-bound high school students to submit original essays of 500-1,000 words for the annual My Turn essay contest. Ten high school students each receive $1,000 for educational needs. The winning entries, plus 10 honorable mentions, may be published by Newsweek Education Program. Applications may be obtained through high school guidance counselors or any Kaplan Inc. test-preparation center. For more information, contact: Kaplan/Newsweek, My Turn Essay Contest, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10106; (800) KAP-TEST.
March 1 GRAPHICS COMMUNICATIONS
The directors of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation annually sponsor a national competition for students interested in professional and executive careers in the graphics communications industry. Full-time high school seniors or high school graduates who have not yet attended college may apply for one of the 300 scholarships worth from $1,000 to $1,500. Candidates are judged on high school academic records, class rank, recommendations from school authorities, extracurricular activities, and academic honors. For more information, contact: Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 200 Deer Run Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143-2600; (412) 741-6860, ext. 309; fax (412) 741-2311; e-mail ptsf@gatf.org;www.gatf.org.
March 1 HANDWRITING
Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers announces a National Handwriting Contest for students in grades 1-6. Six national champions, one from each grade, receive a $500 U.S. savings bond, a pen, and a T-shirt, as well as prizes for their parents, teachers, classmates, and principals. One grand national champion receives prizes worth more than $1,000. Entries are judged based on size, shape, slant, and spacing. The contest is open to all students using the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting method. For more information, contact: Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, P.O. Box 16764, Columbus, OH 43216-6769; (800) 924-9233; www.zaner-bloser.com.
March 1 SCHOLARSHIP
Local Wal-Mart stores offer Sam Walton Community Scholarships to college-bound high school students. Each of the 2,300 college scholarships are worth $1,000 and may be put toward the first year’s tuition, books, or on-campus room and board. Each Wal-Mart store distributes applications to high school counselors in January. Wal-Mart also offers $6,000 Walton Foundation Scholarships to 100 children of full-time employees, and high school seniors who are themselves employees are eligible for Associate Scholarships. All applicants are judged on financial need, academic record, and ACT/SAT scores. Contact: Wal-Mart Foundation, Scholarship Programs, 702 S.W. Eighth St., Bentonville, AR 72716-9740; (800) 530-9925; www.walmartfoundation. org/scholarships.html..
March 1 SCIENCE
The Dr. Bessie F. Lawrence International Summer Science Institute, a month-long program that invites gifted high school seniors to conduct research at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, offers full scholarships and travel expenses to 20 participants. For three weeks, students work in campus laboratories with leading Israeli scientists and graduate students; they spend the last week doing field research in the Judean Desert. The program also includes weekend visits to major cities and participation in social activities. For more information, contact: Debbie Calise, American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, 130 E. 59th St., New York, NY 10022; (212) 895-7906; e-mail debbie@acwis.org.
March 1 SMALL BUSINESS
Padgett Business Services announces a scholarship for college-bound high school seniors, regardless of their intended fields of study. Applicants must be dependents of small-business owners who employ fewer than 20 individuals, own at least 10 percent of the stock or capital in the business, and are active in the day-to-day operations of the organization. Applicants also must be U.S. or Canadian citizens. Scholarships range from $500 to $4,000. For more information, contact: Maryann Aguilera, 160 Hawthorne Park, Athens, GA 30306; (706) 548-1040; e-mail scholarship@smallbizpros.com or webmaster@pbs-c.com; www.pbs-c.com/scholarship.htm.
March 2 SPACE DAY
Space Day 2001 launches a series of Design Challenges for youngsters in grades 4-6 in preparation for the international celebration of space on May 3, 2001. Under teachers’ supervision, teams of four to six students use math, science, and technology skills to create solutions to three real challenges encountered by people living and working in space. Twelve teams are deemed “stellar” and recognized at a Space Day celebration at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. For more information, contact Paula Correa, (202) 833-8121; spaceday2001@aol.com;www.spaceday.com.
March 12 INVENTIONS
The National Science Teachers Association and Sears, Roebuck, and Co. sponsor the annual Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program. This program encourages students in grades 2-8 to design and build a tool. Ten finalists each receive a $5,000 U.S. savings bond; two winners are awarded an additional $5,000 U.S. savings bond. Their schools also receive prizes. For more information, contact: Craftsman/ NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201; (888) 494-4994; e-mail younginventors@nsta.org; www.nsta.org/programs/craftsma n.htm.
March 14 INTERNET CHALLENGE
ThinkQuest Junior, a classroom-based competition that encourages students in grades 4-6 to take a meaningful interest in computers and technology, invites teams of two to six students and one to two coaches to create educational Web sites on a variety of subjects, including arts and literature, science and mathematics, sports and health, and social studies. First-, second-, and third-place awards are given in each of five categories. Student prizes range from $500 to $1,500 per student, while winning coaches receive $1,000 to $2,500. For more information, contact: ThinkQuest, 200 Business Park Dr., Suite 301, Armonk, NY 10590; (914) 765-8332; www.thinkquest.org.
*March 15 DIVERSITY
The Gates Millennium Scholars, a program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the United Negro College Fund, aims to expand access to higher education to those citizens or permanent residents who help reflect the diversity of our society. High school teachers or principals may nominate African American, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian Pacific American, or Hispanic American college-bound high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. Nominees must demonstrate both significant financial need and leadership ability through participation in community service or extracurricular activities. A thousand awards are granted; the scholarship amounts depend on the applicants’ financial need. Contact: Gates Millennium Scholars Program, 8260 Willow Oaks Corporate Dr., P.O. Box 1044, Fairfax, VA 22031; (877) 690-GMSP; www.gmsp.org.
*March 15 ESSAYS
The Skirball Institute on American Values of the American Jewish Committee announces its annual essay contest. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 respond to the question: What does U.S. history and literature teach us about the role of religion in American public life? First prize is $5,000; second prize is $1,000; and third prize is $500. Some AJC chapters also offer regional prizes of $300. For more information, contact: Skirball Institute on American Values, 635 S. Harvard Blvd., Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90005; (213) 381-1719.
March 15 HANDWRITING
Peterson Directed Handwriting is sponsoring the National Cursive Handwriting Contest for students in grades 3-8. Entries are judged on such characteristics as fluent control of letter formation, forward slant, size, proportion, and spacing. One winner from each grade receives a $50 U.S. savings bond and a framed certificate. All entries judged “excellent” are elected to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and are awarded a certificate of recognition. Writing samples should contain at least four lines of writing. Grade 3 entries may be done in pencil; entries from grades 4-8 must be written in ink. For more information, contact: Peterson Handwriting, P.O. Box 249, Greensburg, PA 15601-0249; (724) 837-4900; e-mail mrpencil@petersonhandwriting.com ; www.peterson- handwriting.com.
*March 17 AWARDS PROGRAM
The National Association of Secondary School Principals runs the National Association of Student Councils/National Organization on Disability Awards Program, a competition designed to recognize student councils that have worked to involve those with disabilities in student activities. One middle or junior high school and one senior high school each receive a $500 award. The competition is funded the Aetna Corporation and sponsored by the National Organization on Disability. Contact: NASSP, Department of Student Activities- NASC/NOD, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860-0200, ext. 325; fax (703) 476-5432; e-mail dsa@principals.org; www.principals.org.
*March 22 SPORTS
ESPN announces its Sports Figures Scholarship program to college-bound high school seniors. A one-time grant of $2,500 is made to one female and one male in each of the six U.S. regions. Winners are chosen on the basis of academic achievement, service to school and community, and leadership in interscholastic sports. Applications are available on the Web site. For more information, contact: ESPN Scholarship Application Request, P.O. Box 5446, Blair, NE 68009- 5446; (860) 766-2000; sportsfigures.espn.go.com.
*March 31 PAINTING
The Glidden Paint Company, a Cleveland-based manufacturer of architectural paints, announces the Colorful Classrooms Campaign. Volunteers from Glidden paint 40 public kindergarten classrooms free of charge on National Paint Day, August 2. Anyone may nominate a classroom by submitting essays, poems, photographs, or works created by children; self-nominations are also accepted. For more information, contact: Golin/Harris International, Colorful Classrooms Campaign, 2645 Wooster Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44116; www.gliddenpaint.com.
*March 31 SCHOLARSHIP
The Robert G. Porter Scholars Program provides four college-bound high school seniors with $8,000 scholarships. Students whose parents or guardians have been members of the American Federation of Teachers for at least one year are eligible. Applicants send transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay for consideration. Scholarships are given to well-rounded students who show community involvement, as well as high grades. For more information, contact: Porter Scholars, 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington DC 20001; (202) 879-4400; www.aft.org.
*March 31 WOMEN ATHLETES
The Chevrolet/Michelle Kwan R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Scholarship Program recognizes 10 outstanding female high school students across the United States who are involved in athletics. Each scholarship provides a $5,000 award payable over four years. Applicants must possess a GPA of 3.2 or higher, exhibit excellence in athletics and community involvement, intend to enroll in college and continue athletics while there, and demonstrate financial need. Applicants submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement of 500-750 words describing the impact of athletics on their high school careers. For more information or an application, contact: GM Scholarship Administration Center, 702 W. 5th Ave., Naperville, IL 60563; (888) 377-5233; www.chevrolet.com/rewards.
*April INTERNET YEARBOOK
Messages to the Future, a privately funded, not-for-profit organization, invites high school seniors to participate in a time capsule project. Members of the class of 2001 may submit snapshots, home videos, letters, and essays depicting their last year in high school. After graduation, the material will be posted on a Messages to the Future Web site for each school; sites will be linked to create a national interactive yearbook. For more information, go to www.messagestothefuture.org.
*April 1 MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Presbyterian Church U.S.A. offers Student Opportunity Scholarships to Asian, African American, Hispanic, and Native American students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, members of the Presbyterian Church, and college-bound high school seniors or GED recipients. Awards are given on a first-come, first- served basis to students with demonstrated financial need. The number and size of awards depends on the number of applications, students’ need, and available funds; the maximum value of the award is $1,000 per academic year. For more information, contact: Maria Alvarez, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Financial Aid for Studies, 100 Witherspoon St., Room M-046, Louisville, KY 40202-1396; (888) 728-7228, ext. 5760; e-mail MariaA@ctr.pcusa.org; horeb.pcusa.org/highered /Financialaid.
*April 1 SERVICE
The Hitachi Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization, seeks nominations for the 2001 Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community. The award recognizes high school seniors who have distinguished records of community service activities. As many as 10 winners receive $5,000 each, disbursed over two years, and participate in both an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and a retreat with other awardees. For more information, contact: Yoshiyama Award, P.O. Box 19247, Washington, DC 20036-9247; (202) 457-0588; www.hitachi.org.
*April 2 ESSAYS
The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors an essay contest for high school freshmen and sophomores on Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem. Essays must run between 600 and 1,200 words and focus on one of three topics chosen by the institute. The top essayist receives a $2,000 award. Ten second-prize winners receive $500 each, and 20 third-prize winners receive $200 each. For more information, contact: Anthem Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; (800) 365-6552, ext. 209; e-mail essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests.
*April 2 MARINES
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation sponsors a program to assist children of active duty U.S. Marines or former U.S. Marines who have received honorable discharge or medical discharge or were killed while serving in the Marine Corps. Applicants must be high school seniors or registered undergraduates with a combined family income of approximately $47,000. One thousand scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,500, are awarded. Contact: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 3008, Princeton, NJ 08543; (800) 292-7777; e-mail mcsf@marine-scholars.org; www.marine-scholars.org.
*April 2 SCHOLARSHIP
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program provides support services to minority students. Applicants must be high school seniors with SAT scores of at least 900 or ACT scores of at least 23; they also must demonstrate financial need and high academic achievement. Four-year scholarships of up to $6,000 are given. In addition, winners receive year-round personal and career counseling, the chance to interact with other Jackie Robinson Scholars from around the country, and assistance in obtaining summer jobs and permanent employment after graduation. Contact: Jackie Robinson Foundation, Scholarship Program, 3 W. 35th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001-2204; www.jackierobinson.org.
*April 15 ADVERTISING
New Moon Publishing announces its Create Your Own Advertisement competition as a part of the Turn Beauty Inside Out campaign. Students ages 16 and younger create original Web, video, radio, and print advertisements that encourage advertisers to move away from the use of unreal models, lots of makeup, photo retouching, and special lighting. Entries should relate to the theme of inner beauty. The amount of the awards depends on available funds. All contest entries are assumed for publication and become the property of New Moon Publishing Inc. For more information, contact: New Moon Ad Contest, P.O. Box 3620, Duluth, MN 55803-3620; (218) 728-5507, ext. 10; e-mail lindae@newmoon.org; ; www.newmoon.org/TBIOD/contest.htm.
*April 15 LITERATURE
Signet Classic, publisher of literary works, invites high school juniors and seniors to participate in the Signet Classic Scholarship Essay Contest. Students write an essay on one of three topics pertaining to The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. The essay must be submitted with a cover letter from a high school English teacher. Five winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and a Signet Classic library for their schools. For more information, contact: Penguin Putnam Inc., Academic Marketing Dept., Signet Scholarship Essay Contest, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014; www.penguinputnam.com/academic.
*April 15 RURAL SCHOOLS
Students in grades 3-12 who attend rural schools are invited to participate in the National Rural Education Association Foundation Essay Contest. Applicants answer the question: How has rural America shaped my character? Elementary school entries are limited to 250 words; middle school and high school entries may be no more than 500 words. Essays are judged on originality, focus of topic, mechanics, and overall quality. The winning elementary student receives $250; the top middle school and high school entries each win $500. For more information, contact: Joe Newlin, Executive Director, National Rural Education Association Headquarters, Room 246, Education Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1588; (970) 491-7022; e-mail jnewlin@lamar.colostate.edu; www.nrea.colostate.edu.
*April 16 ESSAYS
The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors an annual essay contest for high school juniors and seniors on Ayn Rand’s novel The Fountainhead. Students submit 800- to 1,600- word essays on one of three topics chosen by the institute. The top essayist receives a $10,000 award; five second-prize winners receive $2,000 each, and 10 third-prize winners receive $1,000 each. Contact: The Fountainhead Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; (800) 365- 6552, ext. 209; e-mail essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests.
*April 16 SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Foundation provides scholarships to engineering and science students throughout the nation. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, commitment to a college education, involvement in the school and community, career goals, and recommendations. Three hundred scholarships, ranging from $500 to $7,000, are awarded. To qualify, applicants must be high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students enrolled full-time as engineering or science majors. For more information, contact: 5400 E. Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90022; (323) 888-2080; e mail: kathy@shpe.org; www.shpe.foundation.org.
*April 27 DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION
Full-time students in grades 9-12 are invited to enter an essay contest sponsored by the NO-ADdiction campaign, a nonprofit initiative to prevent drug and alcohol use among students. In 300 words, students explain why they have chosen not to use drugs or alcohol and what they have done to further prevention efforts in their schools or communities. Participating schools hold competitions and select one essay for national judging by a celebrity panel of judges, including ‘N Sync, Britney Spears, 98º, Mandy Moore, Kobe Bryant, Tyra Banks, Tatyana Ali, BBMAK, and Carly Pope. Ten students receive $1,000 each from the NO-ADdiction Scholarship Fund for post-secondary education; one school receives $5,000 for its efforts in drug and alcohol prevention. For more information and to receive a free campaign kit, contact: NO-ADdiction Campaign, P.O. Box 4628, Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0628; (800) 662-3342; e-mail NoAd@aol.com.
*April 30 ASTHMA
Schering/Key, a worldwide pharmaceutical company, offers the Will-to-Win Asthma Athletes Scholarships to any asthmatic high school senior who excels in athletics as well as academics. Selection is based on outstanding athletic achievement, academic achievement, community and extracurricular activities, and leadership abilities. One grant of $10,000, four grants of $5,000, and five grants of $1,000 are available. Scholarships are paid directly to the college or university where the student plans to pursue undergraduate studies. For more information, contact: Will-to-Win Scholarship Foundation, 7300 Woolworth Ave., Omaha, NE 68124; (800) 558-7305; e-mail parents@parentsinc.org; www.parentsinc.org/finaid/a id6528.html.
*May 1 SCHOLARSHIP
The Commonweal Foundation announces the Pathways to Success program that awards scholarships to attend boarding schools, providing students the opportunity to increase their academic skills, gain work experience, and expand their knowledge of life beyond their local communities. Scholarships may be used at any one of the Pathways Partner Schools and are determined on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed $4,000 per academic year. Funds are distributed directly to the schools. Any student who is new to the boarding school experience and entering grades 9-12 may apply. Students must have potential for success in a regular or accelerated classroom setting, be willing to participate in work and community service opportunities, and demonstrate financial need. For more information, contact: Sharon Rubin, 10770 Columbia Pk., Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20901; (301) 592-1316; fax (301) 592-1307; www.commonweal-foundation.org.
*May 6-12 SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Intel invites students in grades 9-12 to enter the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest precollege competition. Finalists are selected from Intel/ISEF-affiliated science fairs. Each fair may select two individual finalists and one team project to compete at the international level. More than 1,200 students earn the right to compete internationally in San Jose, California. Fair prizes, in over a dozen scientific categories, include college scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000 tuition grants, prestigious internships, scientific field trips, and a grand-prize trip to attend the Nobel Prize ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden. Contact: Science Service, Intel/ISEF, 1719 N St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 785-2255; fax (202) 785-1243; e-mail sciedu@sciserv.org; www.sciserv.org/isef.
*May 15 WOMEN ENGINEERS
The Society of Women Engineers offers a number of scholarships to women enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate ABET- accredited or SWE-approved engineering degree program or computer science program. SWE administers over 100 different scholarship awards annually, ranging from $1,000 to over $5,000 per year. Freshmen applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5; other criteria vary depending on the scholarship. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Contact: Scholarship Selection Committee, Society of Women Engineers, 120 Wall St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10005-3902; (212) 509-9577; fax (212) 509-0224; e- mail hq@swe.org; www.swe.org.
—Kate Ryan and Marisha Goldhamer
