For the past 10 years, according to “Trends in College Pricing,” college costs rose faster than the rate of inflation. 

There's no denying the fact that college costs are rising.  But there is good news. The word “scholarship” has become synonymous with Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  The staff is presently accepting scholarship applications from returning college students.

To be eligible for a college scholarship from the Foundation, students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and must be a graduate of a Chautauqua County high school. It should also be noted that both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. The application process is very easy.  Students can now go online to apply.  All the necessary instructions for the process can be found on the CRCF website (www.crcfonline.org). At the Home Page, click on “Scholarships” - the site will guide students through the process. If students do not have access to a home computer, online applications can be completed at a public library or wherever the student can access online capabilities.

 

Applications received by July 15^th will be reviewed to insure they are complete and they then will be forwarded to the scholarship committees. Once the committees have reviewed the applications, through a completely independent process, awards will be recommended to the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. In November, all applicants will be notified of the results. Scholarship awards will be available in January for the spring semester.

 

If there are questions about the online process, please contact Lisa Lynde, Program Officer, at 661-3394 or llynde@crcfonline.org.  The completed online application and supporting documentation must be received by the July 15^th deadline. While CRCF may not be able to provide a solution to all student financial need issues, the Community Foundation college scholarship process can certainly go a long way in providing some relief from rising expenses. The time to apply for assistance is now. Take advantage of this great opportunity that only comes once a year!