UKIAH, Calif. – Mendocino College is accepting scholarship applications for the 2012-13 fall and spring semesters until 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 1.

“Last year the college awarded 166 scholarships, totaling over $162,000,” said Lana Eberhard, Mendocino College Foundation scholarship coordinator.

Speaking to a dozen interested students, Eberhard shared that about 55 percent of last year’s applicants received a financial award and that three quarters of them received $1,000 or more.

Some awards are up to $2,500 for the academic year.

“One application is all you have to fill out for a wide variety of scholarships,” said Eberhard.

Students may qualify and receive more than one award. Some of the career specific awards include nursing, sciences, culinary arts and public service. High school students, current college students and anyone enrolling in the fall 2012 semester are eligible to apply.

The application must be typed or keyed from the form available on the Mendocino College Web site.

An essay about why financial assistance is needed and two letters of recommendation are required. Graduating high school seniors must submit a copy of their official high school transcripts with their application packets.

“The essay is evaluated on need and the ability to express how the scholarship will help a student attend and stay in college,” says Eberhard. “Tell a compelling story and write about what is important to you.”

She is available in the Mendocino College Foundation office to assist with questions and the application.

In addition she has posted an extensive list of tips on how to complete a successful application on the college Web site.

“I advise anyone considering applying to start right now to give themselves time to contact those they are asking for recommendations and draft the essay,” said Eberhard.

The college invites people interested in contributing to one of the many scholarships, the book awards or in setting up a personally sponsored scholarship to contact the Mendocino College Foundation at 707-467-1018.
               
Scholarships are usually awarded based on career or educational goals, grade point average, financial need, and service to community groups, clubs, volunteerism and other awards.

To apply for a scholarship visit the Mendocino College website at www.mendocino.edu then click “students” and go to “scholarships.”

Other scholarship opportunities not connected to the college are also listed on the Mendocino College website.

For more information call Lana Eberhard at 467-1018 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Mendocino College scholarship awards ceremonies are held in May and the scholarship money is available in August for the fall semester.

For more information about contributing to the Mendocino College Foundation, call the Foundation Office at 707-467-1018 or email Katie Wojcieszak at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..