By Rose S. Prinzi

With finals, graduations, and the summer fast approaching, it is becoming more difficult to focus and remember deadlines; yet, there is one more date to keep in mind - June 1st.

According to “Trends in College Pricing,” college costs rose faster than inflation this year, as they have for the last ten years, based on information from the College Board, a non-profit association of 4,500 schools, colleges, and universities. With college costs continuing to rise, there is one place high school seniors and returning college students can go to seek relief from increasing college expenses – Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  County residents continue to rely on the Foundation as a source of assistance with college costs. 

It is not too late. The Foundation is still accepting scholarship applications. Students who are graduates of a Chautauqua County high school and are enrolled or have been accepted to an accredited college or university are eligible to apply by the Tuesday, June 1st. deadline.

The application process is as simple as going to www.crcfonline.org.  At the website, go to “We Provide” and locate “Scholarships.” The site will guide you through the application process.  If you do not have access to a home computer, online applications can be completed at your school or public library.

The completed online application must be submitted by Tuesday, June 1.  Supporting documentation, including transcripts and financial aid release forms, must be received by the Foundation no later than Wednesday, June 30.

When all applications are received, the Foundation staff will begin the review process and present all applications to the scholarship committees later this year.  Once the committees have reviewed the applications through a completely anonymous process, awards will be recommended to the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  In late November, all applicants will be notified of the results; and scholarship awards will be available in January for the following spring semester.

Throughout the years, the word “scholarship” has become synonymous with the Foundation. While the Foundation may not be able to meet all of your financial aid needs, the Community Foundation’s college scholarship program can certainly provide some relief from rising college expenses. Each year, the Foundation distributes thousands of dollars to local students; and this year is no different. Be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity that comes only once a year.

If there are questions about the online process, please contact Lisa Lynde, Program Officer, at 661-3394, or llynde@crcfonline.org.