Following are application dates for student contests, scholarships, and internships. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*October 31 ART
Puffs facial tissue, in partnership with Crayola in the United States, sponsors the Puffs Back-to- School Design the Box Contest, inviting K-6 kids to create a design with the theme “What I Like Best About School.” Entries are judged on appropriateness of design, originality, charm, and reproducibility. The U.S. grand-prize winner receives a $25,000 savings bond for college; each of three first-place U.S. winners receives a $100 bond. In Canada, the grand prize award is a $10,000 Canadian bond; each first-place winner there receives a $500 bond. Canadian winners get a year’s supply of Puffs for the classroom. Contact: Puffs, (800)77-PUFFS; www.puffs.com.
*October 31 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers merit-based scholarships tocollege-bound seniors. Students are evaluated on leadership abilities, academic achievements, and motivation. Fifty are chosen as national scholars and receive $20,000 college scholarships. An additional 200 are designated regional scholars and receive $4,000 each. Applicants must be nominated by a school guidance counselor; homeschool students should contact the foundation for details. Contact: Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, (800) 306- 2653; www.coca- colascholars.org.
*October 31 COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The National Association of Secondary School Principals announces the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, annually recognizing 5-12 grade students who have demonstrated exemplary community service. Students must have participated in a volunteer activity during part or all of the 12 months before the application date. Schools may select one local honoree and two runners-up for every 1,000 students enrolled in grades 5-12. Application forms are submitted to a school principal or head of an officially designated local organization. State honorees receive $1,000, a silver medallion, and an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in May. National honorees receive an additional $5,000, a gold medallion, and a trophy for their school or organization. Contact: National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860-0200 or (800) 253-7746; fax (703) 476-5432;e- mail spirit@principals.org; www.principals.org/award s/prudential.cfm.
*October 31 INTERNET
The Internet Science and Technology Fair invites student teams in grades 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12 to participate in a 21st-century science fair. Team members apply technology to real-world problems, conduct online research, interact with a team technology adviser, and design a Web site illustrating their findings. Student projects must relate to one of the National Critical Technologies and adhere to content guidelines based on national science content standards. Top teams receive certificates from the National Medal of Technology Program at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Contact: Bruce Furino, Director, Office of Special Programs, College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Central Florida; (407) 249-7141; e-mail director@mail.ucf.edu.
*November 1 GARDENING
The National Gardening Association welcomes applicants for its Youth Garden Grants. Gardening programsinvolving at least 15 children ages3-18 are eligible. Two hundred gardens win tools, seeds, plants, and other products. Contact: Grant Director, National Gardening Association, 1100 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT 05403; (802) 863-5251, ext. 205; www.kidsgardening.com.
*November 1 VOLUNTEERISM
High school seniors and graduates ages 24 or younger of U.S. citizenship are invited to apply for Target All-Around Scholarships. Award criteria include volunteer and community service. Five students receive $10,000 scholarships, and more than 2,000 others win $1,000 scholarships. Applications are available at Target stores or online. Contact: Target All- Around Scholarship Program, (800) 316-6142; www.target.com.
—Marianne Hurst and Aviva Werner
