By Rose S. Prinzi

Did you know that the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation is the leading source for college scholarships in the area?  In 2008, the Foundation provided financial assistance to over 670 area students totaling over $852,112.  As we look to 2009, the Foundation will have over $900,000 available to distribute.

March 1st marks the opening of scholarship season at Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  Online scholarship applications are now available for graduating high school and returning college students. Only online applications will be accepted.

Students do not apply for each individual scholarship housed at the Foundation. A very efficient process has been devised so that the candidates need to submit only one online application with their supporting paperwork. After the online application has been submitted, the Foundation staff begins a review process and presents all applications to the scholarship committees in the fall.  Once the committees have reviewed the applications, award recommendations are forwarded to the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  In November, all applicants will be notified of the results; and scholarship awards will then be available in January for the spring semester of 2010.

The deadline date to submit applications is June 1st for both high school graduates and returning college students.  Support materials are due to the Foundation by June 30th.

Eligibility for high school students applying for scholarships is very broad.  All Chautauqua County high school seniors can apply. 

To be eligible for a college scholarship, students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and must have graduated from a Chautauqua County high school. It should be noted that both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply.

The Foundation administers approximately 219 scholarship funds, each with its own specific criteria.  Therefore, some students will receive scholarships based on academic achievement, while others may receive assistance for community service work or based on their career goal. 

Regardless of personal or academic background, students should take the time to fill out and submit an application.  With the financial rigors of college, every single, potential dollar can help with the cost of higher education.  69% of the students who applied for a scholarship from the Foundation last year received some type of assistance, both at the high school and college levels. So, there is a great chance that you will receive some financial award. 

As you plan for college, remember the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The scholarship assistance it can provide you during your college career may go a long way to helping you achieve your academic and personal goals.

To access the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s scholarship application, go to our website at: www.crcfonline.org.