SCAD Challenge Awards Scholarships to High School Students

/PRNewswire/ -- The Savannah College of Art and Design, the most comprehensive art and design university in the world, is seeking the next generation of talented artists and designers with its scholarship competition. The SCAD Challenge offers high school seniors and juniors an international stage to exhibit their work as well as the opportunity to be eligible for scholarships to attend the university. The competition focuses on creating projects in film, 2-D, 3-D, toy design, room design, poster design, fashion and writing.

The first competition challenged high school students to create a short film to be featured at the 2010 Savannah Film Festival. The film festival, an annual signature event hosted by SCAD, features the best in independent and innovative filmmaking from around the world. Honored guests have included Hugh Dancy, Michael Douglas, Woody Harrelson, James Ivory, Tommy Lee Jones, Sir Ian McKellen, Liam Neeson, Jeremy Renner, Isabella Rossellini and Emmy Rossum.

The SCAD Film Challenge received entries from more than 15 states and six countries. The top three senior winners were awarded artistic scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per year while enrolled at SCAD. Students also received passes to attend the 2010 Savannah Film Festival, which presented a full range of cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. This year's senior winners were John Kim from Vancouver, B.C., Canada; Gabe Gilden from Barrington, Illinois; and Seth Boyden from Huntertown, Indiana.

The three junior winners selected by the panel of judges will experience the university this summer with full scholarships to attend SCAD Summer Seminars, workshops designed for high school students to explore a variety of creative disciplines across the SCAD curriculum. The SCAD Film Challenge junior winners were Wes Sherwin from Cartersville, Georgia; Aaron Carter from Hawthorn Woods, Illinois; and Amanda Depperschmidt from Lawrenceville, Georgia.

"The SCAD Film Challenge proved to be an overall success," said Katrine Trantham, senior director of enrollment events and programs. "All the faculty involved were extremely impressed with the level of talent exhibited and look forward to seeing the senior winners at SCAD next year."

SCAD offers the most comprehensive degree programs in film and digital media in the United States. The university offers the only major film program in the United States integrated with an acclaimed art and design institution. Students work with current, industry-standard hardware and software, learn from faculty who are practitioners as well as mentors, and have opportunities for collaboration. SCAD film and television students and alumni produce work that receives prestigious recognition. Some of their work has been showcased at Sundance, Cannes, the Los Angeles Film Festival, the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, South by Southwest, the Palm Springs Film Festival, and many others.

To learn more about the upcoming challenges, visit www.scad.edu/scadchallenge. The SCAD Film Challenge entries can be viewed at http://filmfest.scad.edu/category/scad-challenge/.

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2010 Broad Prize Awarded to Gwinnett County Public Schools; Georgia District Wins $1 Million in Scholarships, Four Finalists Each Win $250,000

/PRNewswire/ -- The winner of the 2010 Broad Prize is Gwinnett County Public Schools outside Atlanta, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation announced today. As the winner of the largest education award in the country, Gwinnett County Public Schools will receive $1 million in college scholarships for its high school students. The four finalist school districts will each receive $250,000 in scholarships for their students.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan joined philanthropist Eli Broad at the Museum of Modern Art to announce the winner, which was selected by a bipartisan jury of eight prominent leaders from government, education, business and public service, including three former U.S. secretaries of education.

The $2 million Broad (rhymes with "road") Prize is an annual award that honors the five large urban school districts that demonstrate the strongest student achievement and improvement while narrowing achievement gaps between income and ethnic groups. The money goes directly to graduating high school seniors for college scholarships.

"Gwinnett County has demonstrated that an unwavering focus across a school system – by every member of the district and the community – can lead to steady student improvement and achievement," said Secretary Arne Duncan. "Districts across the country should look to Gwinnett County as an example of what is possible when adults put their interests aside and focus on students."

More than half of Gwinnett's students are African-American or Hispanic, and half are eligible for subsidized lunches.

The four finalists—Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina; Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland; and the Socorro Independent School District and the Ysleta Independent School District, both in Texas—will each receive $250,000 in college scholarships. Charlotte-Mecklenburg was previously a Broad Prize finalist in 2004, and Gwinnett County and Socorro were finalists last year. Montgomery County and Ysleta are first-time finalists.

"Gwinnett County's stable leadership and singular commitment to ensuring every student has the skills and knowledge to be successful in college and in life makes it a model for other districts around the country," said Eli Broad, founder of The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, which awards The Broad Prize. "We congratulate the teachers, principals, administrators, parents and community members who collectively focus on high academic achievement for all students."

Among the reasons Gwinnett County stands out among the largest school districts in the country:

* Outperformed similar districts in Georgia . In 2009, Gwinnett County outperformed other districts in Georgia that serve students with similar family income levels in reading and math at all school levels (elementary, middle and high school).
* Narrowed achievement gaps. In 2009, achievement gaps between African-American and white students in Gwinnett County were among the smallest in Georgia in reading at all school levels and in elementary and middle school math. In addition, between 2006 and 2009, Gwinnett County narrowed achievement gaps between its Hispanic students and the state's white students in reading at all school levels and in middle and high school math.
* Achieved high SAT, ACT, AP participation rates. Between 2006 and 2009, participation rates rose for Gwinnett County's African-American and Hispanic students taking the SAT, ACT and Advanced Placement exams.
* Higher percentage of students performed at advanced levels. In 2009, a greater percentage of Gwinnett County's African-American, Hispanic and low-income students performed at the highest achievement levels on the state reading and math assessments at all school levels compared with their counterparts statewide.


Each year, 100 of the largest school districts in America that serve significant percentages of low-income and minority students are automatically eligible for The Broad Prize. Districts cannot apply for or be nominated for this award.

For a full electronic press kit, including additional student outcomes, policies and practices that made Gwinnett stand out among the largest districts in the country, as well as details on all the finalists, please visit www.broadprize.org.

The selection jury that chose this year's winner included:

* Henry Cisneros , executive chairman of CityView companies, former president of Univision and former U.S. secretary of housing and urban development
* James B. Hunt, Jr. , chairman of the board of the Hunt Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy and former governor of North Carolina
* Shirley Ann Jackson , president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and former chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
* Roderick Paige , former U.S. secretary of education
* Richard W. Riley , former U.S. secretary of education and former governor of South Carolina
* Donna Shalala , president of the University of Miami and former U.S. secretary of health and human services
* Margaret Spellings, executive vice president of the National Chamber Foundation and former U.S. secretary of education
* Andrew L. Stern, president emeritus of Service Employees International Union


The selection jury evaluated quantitative data on the finalists, consisting of publicly available student performance data compiled and analyzed by MPR Associates, Inc., a leading national education research consulting firm. In addition, the jury evaluated the five finalist districts' policies and practices, based on site visits, interviews with administrators, teachers, principals, parents, community leaders, school board members and union representatives and classroom observations. The site visits were conducted by a team of education practitioners led by RMC Research Corporation, an education consulting company.

Gwinnett County was selected as a finalist this past spring by a review board of 18 prominent education researchers, policy leaders, practitioners and executives from leading universities, national education associations, think-tanks and foundations that evaluated publicly available student performance data.

Because Gwinnett County won this year's Broad Prize, its high school seniors who graduate in 2011 will be eligible for $1 million in college scholarships. Broad Prize scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need and show a record of academic improvement during their high school career. Scholarship recipients who enroll in four-year colleges will receive up to $20,000 paid out over four years ($5,000 per year). Broad Prize scholars who enroll in two-year colleges will receive up to $5,000 scholarships paid out over two years ($2,500 per year). For more information, please visit: http://www.broadprize.org/scholarship_program/overview.html.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation is a national venture philanthropy established by entrepreneur and philanthropist Eli Broad to advance entrepreneurship for the public good in education, science and the arts. The Broad Foundation's education work is focused on dramatically improving K-12 public education through better governance, management, labor relations and competition. The Broad Foundation's Internet address is www.broadfoundation.org.

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GSU receives $900K grant to recruit, train science teachers

Georgia State University was recently awarded a nearly $900,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to increase the number of science teachers in metro Atlanta schools.
The grant, titled “Impacting Metro-Atlanta Science Teaching,” or I-MAST, will be used to recruit, prepare and support 36 high quality science educators over the next five years.

The program will offer scholarships to undergraduate majors studying content in the STEM fields, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Scholarships will also be available for graduates who hold a degree in the STEM areas and are interested in going into secondary science teaching careers.

Students will study in Georgia State’s Master of Arts in Teaching program in the College of Education, Department of Middle-Secondary Education and Instructional Technology.
“Especially in Georgia, there is a tremendous need for science teachers,” said Anton Puvirajah, assistant professor of science education at GSU, who is directing the project with several colleagues. “Through this program, we hope to increase the number of highly trained science teachers.”

I-MAST is a collaboration between GSU’s College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences, as well as the Georgia Institute of Technology and four public school districts in the Metro Atlanta area.

The first scholarship recipients are expected to enroll at GSU in fall 2010. Applicants will have at least a junior level status at their undergraduate study either at Georgia State’s College of Arts and Sciences or Georgia Tech, or have a minimum bachelor’s degree in a STEM area.

Undergraduate students who commit to pursue a secondary science teacher certification at Georgia State will receive a two-year scholarship totaling $24,000 to be used in their senior year of undergraduate studies and in their year of teacher certification studies. STEM graduates will receive a one-year scholarship of $12,000 to complete their teacher certification studies.

Scholarship recipients will be obligated to teach two years in a Metro Atlanta high need school district for every year of funding received.

A report by the University System of Georgia warns that by 2010 Georgia will need to produce 2,060 middle school and high school teachers of life sciences, chemistry, earth sciences and physics. However in the 2008 academic year, only 90 science teachers were prepared in Georgia, according to the Board of Regents statistics.

“The partnership between GSU and Georgia Tech is a great way to bring bright young scientists into the classroom,” said Jennifer Leavey, director of Undergraduate Academic Services in the Georgia Tech School of Biology. “Tech is a nationally-ranked leader in undergraduate science education, but has no route for certifying K-12 teachers. GSU has an excellent College of Education and is only a few blocks away.”

Scholarship applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, appropriate academic backgrounds in science content, three letters of recommendation and a 350 -500 word narrative statement about their desire to become a secondary science teacher in a high-need school.

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The Goizueta Foundation of Atlanta Funds New Grant for Latino/Hispanic Students at Berry

Scholarship support for Hispanic/Latino students at Berry College has grown substantially thanks to a $750,000 grant from The Goizueta Foundation, based in Atlanta. This new grant provides need-based scholarship assistance to Hispanic/Latino students whose families currently reside in the United States. The Goizueta Foundation Scholars Fund is the third scholarship fund created by The Goizueta Foundation at Berry.

“We believe strongly that a quality private education should be available to all students,” said Berry President Stephen R. Briggs. “In these tough economic times, we commend The Goizueta Foundation for affirming the power of this dream by establishing a scholarship fund that will provide additional aid for students in the Hispanic/Latino community whose financial need is especially acute.”

Previous scholarship funds established by The Goizueta Foundation have been tremendously beneficial for Hispanic/Latino students as well as the Berry community at large. The overall number of Hispanic and Latino students enrolled at Berry has grown from 15 in 2003 to 41 in 2008, making Hispanic and Latino students the second largest minority group on campus for the third consecutive year. College leaders credit The Goizueta Foundation and its support as a key factor in this steady growth.

“The Goizueta Foundation’s continuing generosity is making it possible for us to attract talented students from diverse backgrounds,” Dr. Briggs said. “Our campus community is enriched, because we know that all students benefit from interaction with those whose culture, background and life experiences are different than their own.”

The Goizueta Foundation was established in 1992 to provide financial assistance to educational and charitable institutions. Its purpose is to assist organizations that empower individuals and families through educational opportunities to improve the quality of their lives.

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Science And Math Scholarships

(NAPSI)-Each year, hundreds of high school students from around the world receive a science and math scholarship to attend a weeklong program in Washington, D.C. The Honeywell Scholars @ Presidential Classroom scholarships give the children of Honeywell employees a chance to learn more about the connection between science, technology and public policy.

During the program, students can observe Congress in action and interact with members of Congress, presidential appointees, military officers, business leaders and journalists. Students also visit historic, cultural and educational sites such as the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Department of State, the National Academy of Sciences and Honeywell's facilities at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

To learn more, visit www.Honeywell.com/hhs.

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ComputerTraining.com at Galleria and Norcross Now Offering up to $250,000 in Scholarship Funds

/PRNewswire/ -- The field of information technology is one of the few sectors of the employment market that is slated to grow over the next few years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. For anyone recently laid off or looking to make a career change into the IT field, now is the time. The Galleria and Norcross campuses of ComputerTraining.com are pleased to announce that they now have $250,000 in scholarship funds available to eligible applicants.

ComputerTraining.com offers a unique, hands-on training approach in a supportive environment to students from all walks of life. The Galleria and Norcross campuses offer students effective and affordable instructor-led technology training in a supportive, hands-on environment. With an accelerated Microsoft Certification program, career services and first-class Microsoft Certified Instructors, ComputerTraining.com provides students with the education and knowledge necessary to get certified and find career success in IT.

"It's very exciting for us to be able to offer scholarships to eligible applicants," says Chuck Lang, President of ComputerTraining.com. "We know times are tough everywhere, and we're so happy that we can offer scholarships to prospective students, enabling them to complete our program and start a new, rewarding career in Information Technology."

In as little as six months, ComputerTraining.com students can be fully certified and ready to begin a new career in a booming industry.

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Audrey Morgan Pledges $4 Million to Berry College Scholarships, Cage Center

Berry College officials announced February 19 that Atlanta philanthropist Audrey B. Morgan has pledged $4 million to support student scholarships and the Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center. This represents one of the largest individual gifts to scholarships in the 107-year history of the institution.

To honor Mrs. Morgan’s generosity, one of the two new dormitories being constructed on the Berry campus will bear the name Audrey B. Morgan Hall. These new dormitories, located adjacent to the Ladd Center near Hermann Hall, will house a total of 345 students when they open in the fall. More information is available at www.berry.edu/AroundBerry/july22008.

“Audrey Morgan understands the value of Berry’s distinctive educational approach, and she shares our values,” said Berry President Stephen R. Briggs. “We are grateful beyond words for her commitment and her investment in the future of deserving students.”

The bulk of Mrs. Morgan’s pledge will be used to help launch the new Gate of Opportunity scholarship program. This unique initiative targets those students who desire a Berry education, demonstrate evidence of a strong work ethic or noteworthy community involvement, and have significant financial need.

“This scholarship program is rooted in the rich history of Berry, but it is designed to meet the needs of students entering a difficult economic environment in the 21st century,” Dr. Briggs said. “Students graduate well-versed in the life lessons of determination, resourcefulness and responsibility.”

Each scholarship represents a partnership among students and their families, Berry College, and donors who have a strong belief in Berry’s core mission. All will contribute toward the total cost, with the student portion being generated through participation in the nation’s premier on-campus work experience program.

“This is a forward-looking program for students who are willing to work hard in exchange for a first-rate education without debt at graduation,” Dr. Briggs said. “The added benefit is that the recipients will graduate with four years of progressive and meaningful work experience and an impressive work history.”

In addition to the funds that have been earmarked for the Gate of Opportunity scholarship program, Mrs. Morgan’s pledge also will provide support for the Cage Center. The total amount of gifts and pledges received in support of Berry’s state-of-the-art athletic center now stands at $24.5 million.

“Audrey Morgan understands deeply the value and dream of education,” Dr. Briggs stated. “Others sacrificed to provide her with the opportunity for an education, and she is now choosing to invest in the young people who will lead our communities in years to come.”

Mrs. Morgan is a strong friend of the institution who currently serves on the Berry College Board of Visitors. Other civic affiliations past and present include the DeKalb Medical Center Foundation, the DeKalb Regional Healthcare System, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the DeKalb Historical Society, the Private Industry Council, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the 1996 Olympic Committee for DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties, and the Christian Children’s Home. She lives in Stone Mountain with husband Jack. The couple has two adult sons, Jack E. Morgan Jr. and Robert E. Morgan.

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Outward Bound Offers Scholarships and Academic Credit for Summer Adventures

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, Outward Bound USA, the nation's leading provider of adventure-based education programs, will offer $2 million dollars in scholarships to students attending wilderness expeditions across the country. In addition to gaining once in a lifetime experiences and stronger leadership skills, many students will receive academic credit for their time on course.

The courses, which include everything from backpacking in Colorado to sailing in Maine to sea kayaking in Florida to rafting in Utah, range in length from four days to three months and are designed to challenge personal limits and inspire growth and achievement. A concentration of courses runs throughout the spring and summer, with some "snow and ice" expeditions like dogsledding and backcountry skiing and snowboarding running in February and March.

And, even in this tough economy, these experiences are possible for students of all financial backgrounds. With the support of charitable donations and foundation grants, Outward Bound, a non-profit organization, awards an average of $2 million in merit and need-based scholarships to qualifying students of all ages. Scholarship application details can be found at outwardbound.org/scholarship.

Additionally, hundreds of colleges and high schools grant academic credit for Outward Bound expeditions - one international "Outward Bound Semester" begins in Chile, takes students through Patagonia, facilitates a cross-cultural service project and concludes with rock climbing in the Appalachian Mountains. Students, on average, earn one credit hour per course week by working with one of Outward Bound's partner colleges or through an independent study. AmeriCorps Education Awards also can be applied to Outward Bound expeditions through its partner colleges. More information on academic credit can be found at outwardbound.org.

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Shortt Scholarship Established at UWG

Sylvia Shortt, assistant director of International Services and Programs at the University of West Georgia, has been given a thumbs up by UWG international students and alumni with the establishment of the Sylvia Shortt Scholarship for International Students.

Recognized statewide as an experienced authority on immigration rules and regulations of international students, Shortt now serves as the university's specialist on immigration issues with international undergraduate and graduate students, which number 127 this year at UWG.

Nigerian Femi Owodunni, class of ’98, helped establish the scholarship.

"To begin to understand the enormity of Sylvia's role, one must first appreciate the assimilation challenges these students face coming from major international capitals to a town the size of Carrollton,” said Owodunni.

"It is in appreciation of Ms. Shortt's commitment to ensuring a fulfilling and engaging experience for each student that this endowment was created.

Sylvia Shortt is the very essence of Southern hospitality, an embodiment of the creed that has kept West Georgia on our minds years after our sojourn on her campus.”

Shortt oversees special orientation for internationals, cultural and diversity training and counseling and communication with other government agencies such as Drivers License, Social Security and IRS, international student recruitment and tax services.

For more information on the scholarship programs at UWG, call 678-839-6582.

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Atlanta Braves High School Scholarship, Presented by Publix Super Markets, Available Now to Graduating Seniors

For the tenth consecutive year the Atlanta Braves and Publix Super Markets have partnered to offer high school scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout Georgia. Six $2000 scholarships will be awarded to students who have demonstrated strong community involvement as well as solid academic performance throughout their high school careers.

Applications are available at braves.com/community and at public and private high schools throughout Georgia. Students with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 should submit an application along with:

• One letter of recommendation
• A letter of acceptance from a college or university for the fall 2009 semester
• An essay describing how the applicant has made an impact in their community
• Completed applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2009.

Scholarship recipients will be honored during an on-field presentation prior to the Atlanta Braves home game on May 2, 2009 vs. the Houston Astros. Each winner will be presented with a check for $2000 by an Atlanta Braves player and a representative from Publix Super Markets. All applicants will receive a Braves promotional item.

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Ashworth College Partners with Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! To Offer $2 million in Full-Ride Scholarships to Working Parents

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ashworth College, today announced that it has partnered with "Project Working Mom...and Dads Too!" to award more than $2 million in full-ride online college scholarships to working moms and dads. "Project Working Mom...and Dads Too!" is a national scholarship initiative to help remove the barriers of money, time and confidence, which often keep people from returning to school.

Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! is the third in a line of campaigns to help working parents return to school to better their lives and the lives of their families. The two previous Project Working Mom campaigns in 2008 received more than 120,000 applications, awarded more than $4 million in scholarships, and sent nearly 100 working moms back to school. This year, the campaign has added dads to the mix as a result of considerable interest from fathers in the scholarship offers during the first two campaigns.

"Partnering with Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! is an opportunity for Ashworth College to help make a difference. Through education, we can help deserving, hard-working parents improve their lives," said F. Milton Miller, Ed.D. and Ashworth Vice President, Education.

"A college degree can set an employee or business owner apart as a professional and demonstrate business knowledge to peers, potential customers and employers," Miller added. "Education can take skills - and income - to the next level."

Ashworth College is one of five accredited universities participating in Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! The other schools involved in the campaign are Ashford University, Capella University, Everest University, and Virginia College Online. Combined, the schools will be awarding more than $2 million in full-ride online college scholarships, bringing the total of Project Working Mom scholarships awarded to more than $6 million.

"Project Working Mom started as a single campaign to help working moms go back to school, but the response was so large that we decided to launch another campaign. This time however, in response to the voices of many dads, we have added a father-focused element," said Helen MacDermott, content director for Project Working Mom.

eLearners.com, an online education resource that connects learners with online education and created the Project Working Mom campaigns, also created a complementary, interactive, and in-depth web site to help learners tackle their questions and fears about returning to school. The site is designed to empower working parents and offers advice on going back to school, self-assessment quizzes on numerous subjects including how to determine what subjects to study, an online support community, numerous articles and a database with $15 billion in financial aid opportunities.

"This campaign is a much needed resource for many moms and dads who would love to pursue a new career path, but don't have the money to get the degree they need," said Carey Casey, CEO of the Kansas City-based National Center for Fathering and fathers.com. "Many dads I've talked with would love to go back to school, but they don't know where to begin and for many the biggest barrier is definitely cost. It's great to see action underway to help remove these barriers."

The full-ride online college scholarships through Project Working Mom...and Dads Too! are for online programs from the associate's to Ph.D. level. To apply for a scholarship, working moms and dads can submit a short application at www.projectworkingmom.com. They will also need to complete an essay with their life, education and/or career goals and explain how an online education will allow them to achieve those goals. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is April 30, 2009.

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Rolls-Royce Promotes Engineering Education in the US

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rolls-Royce has pledged $120,000 to establish a new, multi-year engineering scholarship program at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Designed to support undergraduates in engineering, the Rolls-Royce Scholarship Program will fund scholarships for qualified students majoring in four-year engineering programs at the school.

Beginning this year, Rolls-Royce Scholarships will be offered to two undergraduates – rising sophomores or juniors who meet rigorous academic and other eligibility criteria defined by Rolls-Royce and the school. Those selected will receive $5,000 in annual scholarship support in each of their sophomore, junior and senior years, as long as the recipient remains in good standing with the school, maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrates good progress toward completing his/her degree program.

John W. Gill, Executive Vice President, Human Resources in North America said: “Rolls-Royce has a long history of developing engineering skills around the world. Here in the US, numerous Georgia Tech graduates have helped Rolls-Royce become the world-leading global business it is today. As a major employer, it is important to help develop expertise for the future. Creating a new Rolls-Royce Scholarship program at Georgia Tech furthers our support for engineering education and honors the exceptional engineering undergraduates at this important, nationally-recognized university.”

Dr. Robert Loewy, William R.T. Oakes Professor and Chair of the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech said: “The School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech is most grateful for the support generously given to us by Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce is a leading aircraft engine and power systems provider worldwide. The close relationship we have is highly valued by all of us and plays an important role in the development of our talented and enthusiastic graduates.”

The Rolls-Royce Scholarship Program at Georgia Tech will run through the spring of 2013. Georgia Tech’s Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL) at the School of Aerospace Engineering will oversee the selection process in consultation with Rolls-Royce.

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Army Scholarship Finances Graduate Medical, Dental & Veterinary Education

(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the coming months, many undergraduate students who have applied for medical and dental school will receive letters notifying them that they have been accepted for the fall semester. For some, the excitement of the news will be tinged with anxiety as they wonder how they will finance their education.

The United States Army Medical Department (AMEDD) through its F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is one option for students seeking a way to pay for their graduate medical, dental, veterinary or nursing degree. HPSP provides students with the full cost of tuition; school related fees and books; as well as a stipend of more than $1,900 per month during the school year. In addition, HPSP recipients are eligible for a one-time $20,000 (less tax) sign-on bonus.

For Sara Michael, a second year medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the scholarship enables her to stay focused on her education, “I’d say I’m less anxious about the future because my financial situation is more stable. That’s a huge perk.”

According to a 2007 study by the American Association of Medical Schools, the average student loan debt is more than $150,000 after graduation and is a barrier for many students. The report estimated that physicians who are on a standard 10-year loan repayment plan would see half of their after-tax earnings go to their loan payment.

“In a time of economic uncertainty and difficulty obtaining loans, the prospect of mounting debt is daunting,” said Colonel Rafael Montagno, commander U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade. “Army Health Care provides students with a first rate education, advanced training and experience – and many students will be surprised to learn that they can specialize in forty-seven practices ranging from anesthesiology to vascular surgery, and have access to research opportunities that can take them around the world.”

The scholarship is available in 2, 3 and 4-year increments and provides benefits during school and after graduation for those planning a career in health care or who are currently enrolled in a graduate medical or dental program. In addition to a full tuition scholarship to the medical or dental school of choice, the program pays for required books, non-expendable equipment, other academic fees and a monthly stipend that is adjusted annually for cost-of-living increases. Upon graduation and entry onto active duty, AMEDD Officers receive increases in salary and new opportunities for a broad range of residencies, fellowships and special pay incentives. Acceptance of the Critical Skills Accessions Bonus includes a four-year active duty and four-year Reserve service obligation, which can be fulfilled concurrent with service obligations related to HPSP upon completion of residency programs and becoming licensed to practice.

For more information about HPSP and the Critical Skills Accession Bonus, please visit www.goarmy.com/amedd/hpsp.jsp or phone 800-USA-ARMY (800-872-2769).

Graduates of the HPSP program receive all the benefits of active duty Officers including:

* Paid continuing education courses, seminars and conferences
* No-cost or low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family
* A comfortable home on-post or a generous housing allowance if you live off-post
* Opportunities to travel throughout the world
* Attractive retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
* A flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401k
* 30 days of vacation earned each year
* Rank and privileges of an Army Officer
* Low-cost life insurance

ABOUT THE ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT (AMEDD)

From nurses and entomologists to veterinarians, dietitians and physicians, Army Health Care offers more than 90 professional health care career paths – more than any other military service.

Army Health Care annually employs more than 73,500 active-duty professionals and 72,000 Reserve Soldiers who interact with more than 200,000 patients in an average day. The Army’s Health Care system is an $8 billion per year venture, employing 145,000 people and managing the care of three million beneficiaries. The active Army Medical Team is augmented by a Reserve Component, comprised of health care professionals in Reserve units throughout the United States and abroad.

One of the largest health care networks in the world, AMEDD operates more than 600 world-renowned hospitals, clinics and facilities around the globe. AMEDD encompasses six corps: Dental, Medical, Medical Service, Medical Specialist, Nurse and Veterinary.

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Free Money for College Now Available to Next Fall’s Students

(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Sallie Mae Fund announced today that its scholarship application season is now open and invited students attending college in the fall to apply for scholarships it will award for the 2009-2010 school year. Applications, eligibility and deadline information are now available at www.salliemaefund.org/scholarships.

Scholarships are one of the four components of financial aid for college: scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans. The Institute for Higher Education Policy estimates that there are billions of dollars in college scholarships available each year. Awards can range from a few hundred dollars to a full ride for all four years, and best of all, they do not need to be repaid.

Erin Korsvall, vice president of The Sallie Mae Fund, reminds students that, to qualify for a scholarship, they must take the first step and apply. “Don’t miss out on scholarships by not applying. Get organized, note key deadlines, and give yourself plenty of time to find scholarships, request applications, complete them, and submit them. This free money will be well worth your time and energy.”

The Sallie Mae Fund offers students tips for finding free money for college:

* Don’t rule yourself out. Scholarships are not limited to class valedictorians and star athletes. They are awarded based on a number of factors — from your career goals to exceptional writing skills displayed in an essay contest.
* Apply for as many awards as you qualify for. Even small awards can be helpful in covering costs, such as books.
* Pay close attention to deadlines. Missing a deadline is a sure way to become disqualified.
* Look for scholarships offered by a variety of sources, including companies, unions, foundations, community organizations, churches, and more.
* Tell family, friends, teachers, and others in your community that you are looking for scholarships. They may know something you do not.
* Understand the conditions of an award, such as maintaining a specific GPA or participating on an athletic team.
* Make use of free scholarship directories and searches offered by reputable organizations, such as The Sallie Mae Fund.
* Watch for scholarship scams. You should never pay for scholarship advice or information.
* If you receive a scholarship, be sure to write a thank-you note to the organization. You may want to reapply for the scholarship in the future so it is important to leave a good impression.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, by 2016, colleges are expected to see a 45-percent growth in the number of Hispanic students enrolling and a 29-percent growth in the number of African-American students, many of whom will have greater financial need. To help meet this challenge, The Sallie Mae Fund provides scholarships through a number of its own programs that address a common barrier to higher education access: financial need. With deadlines ranging from April 15 to May 31, these scholarships include:

* “American Dream” Scholarship Program: The American Dream program was developed in partnership with U.N.C.F. and offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to African-American students with demonstrated financial need. (Deadline: April 15)
* “First in My Family” Scholarship Program: This program, developed in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund, offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to Hispanic-American students who are the first in their family to attend college and have financial need. (Deadline: April 15)
* “Unmet Need” Scholarship Program: Open to families with a combined income of less than $30,000, Unmet Need scholarships provide a “last-dollar” resource when no other funds are available. (Deadline: May 31)

* The Sallie Mae 911 Education Fund: Created in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, this program provides scholarship dollars to children of those who were killed or permanently disabled in the attacks. (Deadline: ongoing)

The Sallie Mae Fund also has online resources to help students research scholarships available from other organizations:

* A free, comprehensive database with billions of dollars worth of scholarships available at www.salliemaefund.org.
* Latino College Dollars, a directory of scholarships for Hispanic students, developed in partnership with the Tomás Rivera Policy Institute at the University of Southern California, available at www.latinocollegedollars.org.
* Black College Dollars, a directory of scholarships for African-American students, developed in partnership with BET Networks and the Pell Institute for the Study of Opportunity in Higher Education, available at www.blackcollegedollars.org.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, The Sallie Mae Fund awarded $2 million in scholarships to nearly 800 deserving students enrolled in colleges across the country. A record number of completed applications, more than 24,000, were submitted by college-bound students. For a complete listing of 2008-2009 scholarship recipients and the schools they attend and to access 2009-2010 scholarship application materials, visit www.salliemaefund.org.

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Poster Design Competition for High School Seniors Proclaims 'Life is Better With Art In It'

/PRNewswire/ -- What would life be like if you walked into a museum and there were no pictures? Or if you visited a school, and there were no drawings on the wall? Art gives life depth, color, texture and joy.

To recognize the importance that art plays in everyone's lives, The Art Institutes and Americans for the Arts announce the annual Poster Design Competition for high school seniors illustrating the theme "Life is Better with Art In It."

Students with an interest in graphic design are eligible to win a scholarship worth $25,000 to study at one of The Art Institutes schools.

According to John Mazzoni, President of The Art Institutes, "High school seniors interested in a creative arts education may not be sure where their talents may lead. We are excited about offering this national graphic design competition and view it as a unique opportunity to encourage, recognize and reward talented artists who want to further their education in an evolving field that may lead to a fulfilling career in the industry."

Co-sponsor for the national Poster Design Competition, Americans for the Arts, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for arts in schools. "Art programs in many schools across the country are often tragically on the chopping block when it becomes necessary to trim budget," says Robert Lynch, CEO of Americans for the Arts. "Our partnership in this competition is aimed at raising awareness of the importance that art plays in the lives of children of all ages."

Deadline for entries is February 6, 2009. Selection and notification of a national winner will be made by May 15, 2009.

For more information on how to enter the Poster Design Competition and to view the competition rules, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=pdc093 .

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DEADLINE APPROACHING: Applications for Business Journalism Scholarships Due Feb. 2

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism will award eight scholarships of $4,000 each nationwide for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Deadline for applications is Feb. 2, 2009, with scholarship winners announced March 17, 2009 for the academic year that commences in fall 2009.

The scholarships are available to full-time students at universities throughout the U.S. Financial need is not a criterion.

These non-renewable scholarships are for business journalism majors, or journalism majors with a concentration in business journalism, who are seriously interested in pursuing a career in business journalism. In some cases, students who have gained experience solely through other opportunities such as business journalism internships will be considered.

A journalism faculty member must nominate the student. Find application forms for both students and faculty and instructions at: http://www.businessjournalism.org/pages/biz/2007/02/nationwide_business_journa lism/

Mail Submissions to:
Donald W. Reynolds National Center
for Business Journalism
Arizona State University
Attention: Scholarships
555 North Central Avenue
Ste. 302
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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Now Debate This Announces 'The 100-Day Presidential Challenge'

/PRNewswire/ -- Now Debate This, America's only national online educational debate and $250,000 high school scholarship contest, announced a new, exciting competition to the 2009 program year to coincide with President-Elect Obama's first 100 days in the White House: "The 100-Day Presidential Challenge." This competition will ask high school students from across America to research their communities' biggest energy problems, and develop Energy Solution Proposals they can implement at the local level. The winners will earn a $5,000 clean technology prize for their school or organization, and an opportunity to share ideas with national experts, such as members of President Obama's cabinet, Congress, and the energy industry.

"In selecting the 2009 Now Debate This topic, 'U.S. Energy Independence,' we see a new opportunity to galvanize the power of America's youth to solve the country's most pressing problems," said Mary L. Hagy, Founder and Executive Producer of Now Debate This, based in Philadelphia. "We challenge all high school students to first, understand the history and context of their community's energy issues, and second, to propose viable solutions to their local problems."

Now Debate This (www.nowdebatethis.com), in partnership with the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Honor Society (NFL), presents "The 100-Day Presidential Challenge" as part of its 2009 program theme, "How can the U.S. achieve energy independence?"

"The timing of the 100-Day Presidential Challenge could not be better," said J. Scott Wunn, Executive Director of the NFL, based in Ripon, WI. Established in 1925, NFL is the nation's oldest and largest high school speech and debate organization. "The 2009 national tournament topic is alternative energy, so students, teachers and coaches are already studying and debating the issue all over the country. The 100-Day Challenge focuses that existing effort on creating viable solutions."

Students will identify and research their communities' most pressing energy problems through the creation of a timeline with background information and develop actionable plans to resolve the problems, including an economic and feasibility assessment. The contest will begin at 12:00:01 Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2009 and close at 12:00:01 Eastern Standard Time, April 30, 2009.

Entries will be judged on creativity, historical research and analysis, the written proposal and accompanying video, documentation and feasibility. Judging panels will be convened by Now Debate This, comprised of representatives from education, non-profit, business, industry, technology and/or government sectors. Winners will be announced in May 2009.

In order to be eligible for "The 100-Day Presidential Challenge," high school student groups must:

-- Create a project web page on the Now Debate This Confab site. The
students will use this page to communicate their work through blog
entries, photos, videos, news articles and other appropriate
presentations. Judging will include evaluation of the content
generated on the group's page.
-- Research the history of energy usage in their communities, and develop
a timeline that includes the key actors and actions in their
community's energy use, as well as an explanation of the scope of the
problem today. Students must upload the timeline on their Now Debate
This Confab web page.
-- Create a SMART Energy Solution Proposal detailing the project and how
it will be accomplished. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable,
Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time frame. Student groups will use
these five categories to analyze the feasibility and economic efficacy
of the Energy Solution Proposal. The written proposal should be
accompanied by a video presentation of no more than 90 seconds, which
describes the problem and demonstrates why the students' idea poses
the best solution. Video presentations will be uploaded to YouTube.com
and SchoolTube.com.


Now Debate This launched its 2009 program on November 14, 2008 at the National Social Studies Conference in Houston. The 2009 program will consist of three competitions: "The 100-Day Presidential Challenge," "President Prep Time Essay Contest," which prompts students to write the new President about the issues they consider most important, and the "Now Debate This Scholarship Program" for high school juniors to compete for $250,000 in college scholarship money. The scholarship program will issue a call for video entry submissions to be posted to YouTube.com and SchoolTube.com in late February, 2009. The 16 semi-finalists are scheduled to be announced in May, with a summer travel study program beginning in late June, ending with the debate tournament in August.

Now Debate This is made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Forensic League, National History Day, the National Park Service and institutional and private partners including the United Nations Foundation.

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FedEx Invests $352,500 in Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarships and Outreach Programs

/PRNewswire/ -- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF), the nation's leading Latino scholarship organization supporting Hispanic higher education, will receive $352,500 over the next three years from FedEx Corp. (NYSE:FDX) . This funding from FedEx will provide scholarships for deserving students and support for four community education programs in local markets.

FedEx recently completed a previous three-year, $332,500 commitment that provided 15 four-year scholarships to deserving students. This renewal will fund five, four-year scholarships for each of the 2009, 2010 and 2011 academic years. This funding will impact HSF's ability to continue the current level of support to Latino students and help HSF work toward its mission of doubling the rate of Hispanics earning college degrees, to 18 percent.

"FedEx believes that educating and inspiring leaders is vital to our future," said Juan N. Cento, president, FedEx Express Latin America and Caribbean Division (LAC), and the Corporation's highest-ranking Hispanic executive. "Education has always been key to unlocking potential in people, and that is why we are committed to providing minority students with the scholarship funds they need to obtain a higher education."

Funding from FedEx Corp. will also provide support for four HSF Town Hall Meetings across the U.S. -- in San Francisco, Dallas, Miami and Indianapolis -- in 2008-2009. These bilingual, multi-media sessions cover the essentials of college preparation and financial aid for students and their families.

"We are delighted that FedEx has invested in the youth who will become tomorrow's leaders in their communities and in corporations across America," said Frank D. Alvarez, HSF President & CEO. "We very much value our relationship with FedEx Corp., and this additional investment further enables HSF to support the growing number of Hispanic students seeking access to higher education."

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UCB Announces 2009 Rheumatoid Arthritis Scholarship Program

/PRNewswire/ -- Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Scholarship Program. The program, now in its second year, will award 30, one-time scholarships of up to $10,000 each to patients diagnosed with RA or their immediate family members who are seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree or enrolled in a trade school educational program. RA is a progressive autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, often making even the simplest everyday tasks very difficult to undertake.

"The UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Scholarship Program offers this award to students who demonstrate extraordinary strength and perseverance to fulfill their academic ambitions despite challenges posed by rheumatoid arthritis," said Michael Weinblatt, M.D., chairman of the scholarship selection board.

Applicants are selected by a group of nationally known rheumatologists, health care professionals and advocates. Applicants are judged on their academic ambition and their demonstrated ability to overcome the limitations associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

"The UCB RA scholarship reflects our company's commitment to provide patients and their families with resources to help them reach beyond the boundaries of their disease," said David Robinson, a vice president and general manager at UCB. "It is our goal that this scholarship program will enable the winners to further their education and enjoy the benefits that this accomplishment will offer."

More information about the program is available at www.reachbeyondra.com/scholarship or by calling 888.854.4996.

About the 2009 UCB Family RA Scholarship

This program is designed for students of any age who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or the immediate family member of a person with rheumatoid arthritis. Applicants must be legal and permanent residents of the United States and must be diagnosed by a physician. Only those who are seeking an associate's, undergraduate, or graduate degree, or enrolled in a trade school educational program; or enrolled in/awaiting acceptance from a United States-based institution of higher education for the fall semester of 2009 may apply. Applicants must also be individuals who demonstrate academic ambition and embrace a way of life that overcomes the boundaries of living with RA. Employees of UCB and their immediate family members are not eligible for this scholarship.

Applications are available to download on www.reachbeyondra.com. Applicants must submit a hard copy of the application, along with all additional listed components, for eligibility. All applications must be postmarked by March 20, 2009; applications postmarked after this date will not be considered.

Selection of recipients will be at the sole discretion of a panel of judges comprised of medical professionals chosen by UCB. Winners will be notified by June 22, 2009 with both a personal telephone call from UCB and a confirmation letter.

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Make Money This Holiday: Do You Qualify for AFSA's Scholarship Contest?

/PRNewswire/ -- Whether Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, the holidays are a time of goodwill, cheer, and above all, giving. Therefore in the spirit of the season, the American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is spreading its goodwill and cheer by giving back to the community.

This Dallas-based trade group is calling for high school seniors to enter to win $20,000 in scholarships in its National Scholarship Contest, http://www.afsascholarship.org/. So with time off for the holidays, what better time for students to apply for scholarships, like AFSA's National Scholarship Contest, in hopes of winning one of life's most treasured gifts: an education?

More exciting than a Reindeer sweater, AFSA's National Scholarship Contest is the gift that keeps giving, guaranteed to give $20,000 this year, and that money can go a long way to put dreams of a further education within reach. Since 1996, AFSA has provided nearly a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships to help fulfill the educational dreams of students from across the nation.

This online contest is unlike many traditional scholarships. That's because instead of writing an essay, applicants will read one. That's right! To apply, students go online and read a short essay about sprinklers and fire safety. After finishing, they complete a ten-question quiz on what they just read. Each correct answer gives the student a chance at winning one of ten $2,000 scholarships (maximum 10 chances per entrant).

To be eligible, applicants must be a high school senior during the 2008-2009 academic year who will attend a U.S. college, university or trade school in fall 2009. Winners are randomly selected to receive a scholarship payable one-time directly to their respective institution of higher learning.

Year after year, students die in campus-related fires. Through this scholarship, AFSA hopes to create greater awareness - and therefore, a safer future - by educating students who otherwise may not recognize the importance of fire safety.

The AFSA Scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Deadline to entries is April 1, 2009. For details or to apply, visit http://www.afsascholarship.org/.

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