Education

For Your Students

March 01, 2003 14 min read
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Following application dates for student contests, scholarships, and internships. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.

*Open CREATIVITY
Teen Ink
invites student submissions of art, poems, stories, essays, editorials, and reviews of movies, books, colleges, and Web sites for publication in its magazine. The author of any manuscript or artwork selected for publication receives a free copy of the issue containing his or her work and a Teen Ink pen and note pad. For more information, please check the Web site; works may be submitted via a form there or by mail. Contact: Teen Ink, P.O. Box 30, Newton, MA 02461; (617) 964- 6800; editor@teenink.com; www.teenink.com.

*Open ENVIRONMENT
Annie’s Homegrown, makers of all- natural pasta products, offers scholarships to students interested in pursuing environmental studies. Every year, 25 $1,000 scholarships are awarded to full-time beginning or returning students at an accredited two- or four-year college or technical school in the United States. Contact: Annie’s Scholarship Applications, Annie’s Homegrown, P.O. Box 554, Wakefield, MA 01880; (781) 224-9639; e-mail bernie@annies.com; www.annies.com.

January- March ART AND WRITING
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards honor students currently enrolled in grades 7-12, recognizing about 50,000 regional winners. Nationally, 1,000 students’ individual works receive Pinnacle, Gold, or Silver awards in each of 16 art and eight writing categories. High school seniors may also submit a body of works of art or writing for Portfolio Awards. In June, national award recipients are honored at a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and the Corcoran Gallery of Art displays selected winning art. The awards annually bestow nearly $250,000 in cash on the national and regional levels. In addition, seniors who submit portfolios compete for scholarships totaling $1.5 million from more than 40 supporting institutions and organizations. Deadlines vary depending on regions; all entry information is available online. For more information, contact: Scholastic A&W Awards, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (212) 343-6493; e-mail: a&wgeneralinfo@scholastic.com; www.scholastic.com/artandwriting .

*January-April ENGINEERING
The West Point Bridge Design Contest encourages students to create structurally accurate bridges online. The Internet-based contest, sponsored by the U.S. Military Academy and the American Society of Civil Engineers, is open to all middle and high school students age 13 and older, who compete individually or in pairs. Participants download the West Point Bridge Designer software and design highway bridges at the lowest possible cost. The top 10 teams in each of four regions advance to the semifinals, where they download a new project and have three hours to develop a design. The best five teams travel to West Point in June for the final competition. Each finalist receives a laptop computer and a chance to compete for a $15,000 cash scholarship. Contact: Cathy Bale, Contest Coordinator, Department of Civil & Mechanical Engineering, USMA, West Point, NY 10096; e- mail wpbedc@usma.edu; http://bridgecontest.usma.edu.

*F ebruary-March SCHOLARSHIPS
Optimist International invites students from North America and the Caribbean to compete for $650 to $5,000 in scholarships. High schoolers write short essays on the topic “When Our Freedom Is Threatened.” Optimist Clubs send local winners to district contests to compete for a $650 scholarship. District winners participate in the international essay contest, competing for scholarships worth $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 (first-, second-, and third-place, respectively). For the oratorical contest, students younger than 16 present a four- to five-minute speech, titled “United We Stand in Optimism.” District prizes range from $500 to $1,500. In addition, precollegiate students of any age who are deaf or hard of hearing are eligible to address the same topic using sign language, oral presentation, or both, competing for a $1,500 college scholarship. All submissions should be made to a local Optimist Club. Contact: Optimist International, 4494 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108; (800) 500- 8130, ext. 224; e-mail programs@optimist.org; www.optimist.org.

February-March WRITING/ILLUSTRATING
PBS stations and Reading Rainbow are accepting entries for the Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. Children in grades K-3 can let their imaginations run wild as storybook writers and illustrators. Stories can be nonfiction, fiction, prose, or poetry and must be accompanied by a minimum of five original color illustrations. A panel of local community judges evaluates entries based on originality, creative expression, storytelling, and integration of copy and illustrations. Local winners from each grade are selected to participate in the national competition. Prizes for national winners include a computer, printer, VCR, and Reading Rainbow library set. Deadlines vary by individual station. For more information, including contact information for local stations, contact: Diane Miller, (800) 228-4630; www.pbskids.org/readingrai nbow/contest.

*March CLASSROOMS
Glidden Paint Company, a Cleveland-based manufacturer of architectural paints, announces the Colorful Classrooms Campaign. This summer, during National Paint Week, Glidden volunteers will paint selected kindergarten classrooms across the country, free of charge. Any adult (18 years or older) may nominate a classroom by submitting essays, poems, photographs, or works created by the students; self- nominations also accepted. Contact: Colorful Classrooms Campaign, ICI Paints, 925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115; (800) GLIDDEN; www.glidden.com/About _Glidden/cc_intro.html.

*March 15 STUDENT COUNCILS
The National Association of Student Councils offers the National Association of Student Councils/NationalOrganization on Disability Awards Program, a competition to recognize student councils that have worked to involve those with disabilities in student activities. One middle or junior high school and one senior high school each receive a $500 award. The competition is funded by the Aetna Corporation and sponsored by the National Organization on Disability. Contact: NASC/NOD, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860- 0200, ext. 325; fax (703) 476-5432; e-mail nasc@nasc.us;www.nasc.us/sc hlr_awards.

*March 18 LITERATURE
The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors an essay contest for high school freshmen and sophomores on Ayn Rand’s novella Anthem. Essays must run between 600 and 1,200 words and focus on one of three topics chosen by the institute. The top essayist receives a $2,000 award. Each of 10 second-prize winners receives $500, and each of 20 third-prize winners receives $200. Contact: Anthem Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 57044, Irvine, CA 92619-7044; (949) 222-6550, ext. 209; e-mail essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests.

*Marc h 25 ESSAYS
The Harry Singer Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes responsibility and involvement in public policy, conducts essay contests online. All participants receive certificates. Three winners are chosen from classes that submit a minimum of 10 essays. High school winners receive cash prizes of $50 to $100; younger students receive books. Topics vary each year. Judging is based on how well essays identify specific issues and answer particular questions. Materials are posted on the Web site; essays are submitted via e-mail. Contact: Harry Singer Foundation, P.O. Box 223159, Carmel, CA 93922; (831) 625-4223; fax (831) 624-7994; e-mail staff@singerfoundation.org; www.singerfoundation.org.

*Marc h 31 ART
Dick Blick Art Materials sponsors the annual Linoleum Block Print Contest for grades 4-12 students. Young artists submit linoleum blocks of any size and color to be judged in one of three grade divisions: 4-6, 7-9, and 10- 12. Fifteen winners earn plaques and $50 to $400 worth of art materials for their schools. Every participating school is entered in a drawing for a Dick Blick Etching Press. Contact: Dick Blick Art Materials, P.O. Box 1267, Galesburg, IL 61402-1267; (800) 828-4548; fax (800) 621-8293; e-mail info@dickblick.com; www.dickblick.com/blockcontest .

*March 31 DIVERSITY
The Young American Bowling Alliance is offering two $750 scholarships to commemorate bowlers’ differences and similarities. One male and one female YABA member will each receive a scholarship, based on an essay describing how diversity has affected his or her life. Students who participate in a YABA- sanctioned youth league and who are at least 14 years old are eligible. Essays should be typed and no longer than 700 words, and should include name, date of birth, address, phone number, and name and location of bowling center used. Contact: Ed Gocha, YABA Diversity Scholarship, 5301 S. 76th St., Greendale, WI 53129; (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3343; e-mail egocha@bowlinginc.com; www.bowl.com.

*March 31 SCHOLARSHIPS
The Robert G. Porter Scholars Program provides four college- bound high school seniors with four-year, $8,000 scholarships. Students whose parents or guardians have been members of the American Federation of Teachers for at least one year are eligible. Each applicant sends transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and an essay for consideration. Scholarships are given to well-rounded students who show community involvement and high grades. Contact: Porter Scholars, 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20001; (202) 879-4400; e- mail porterscholars@aft.org; www.aft.org.

*April 1 COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Hitachi Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization, seeks nominations for the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community. The award recognizes high school seniors who have distinguished records of community service activities and leadership. As many as 10 awardees receive $5,000 each over two years and participate in an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and a retreat with other awardees. Contact: Yoshiyama Award, P.O. Box 19247, Washington, DC 20036-9247; (202) 457-0588; www.hitachifoundation.org.

*Ap ril 1 GRAPHIC ARTS
The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation annually sponsors a national competition for students interested in professional and executive careers in the graphics communications industry. Full-time high school seniors or high school graduates who have not yet attended college may apply for one of 300 scholarships of $1,000 to $1,500 each. Candidates are judged on high school academic records, class rank, recommendations from school authorities, extracurricular activities, and academic honors. Contact: Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 200 Deer Run Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143-2600; (412) 741-6860, ext. 309; fax (412) 741-2311; e-mail pgsf@gatf.org; www.gain.org/employment /scholarships.html.

*April 1 MARINES
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation sponsors a program to assist children of active or reserve duty U.S. Marines or former U.S. Marines who received honorable or medical discharges or were killed while serving in the Marine Corps. Scholarships support undergraduate study at accredited educational or technical institutions. Applicants must have a combined family income of no more than $54,000 (income limit is higher if more than one family member is applying). One thousand scholarships of $500 to $2,500 are awarded. Contact: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 3008, Princeton, NJ 08543; (800) 292-7777; e-mail mcsf@marine- scholars.org; www.marine- scholars.org.

*April 1 MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Program provides support services to minority students. Applicants must be high school seniors with SAT scores of at least 900 or ACT scores of at least 23; they also must demonstrate financial need and high academic achievement. Four-year scholarships of up to $6,000 are awarded. In addition, students receive year-round personal and career counseling, the chance to interact with Jackie Robinson Scholars from around the country, and assistance in obtaining summer jobs and permanent employment after graduation. Contact: Jackie Robinson Foundation, Scholarship Program, 3 W. 35th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001-2204; (212) 290-8600; www.jackierobinson.org.

*April 4 RURAL SCHOOLS
Students in grades 3-12 who attend rural schools are invited to participate in the National Rural Education Association Foundation’s essay contest. Applicants answer the question “What makes a good rural school?” Elementary school entries are limited to 250 words; middle and high school entries may be up to 500 words. Essays are judged on originality, focus, mechanics, and overall quality. The winning elementary student receives $250, and the runner-up gets $100. The top middle and high school entries each earn $400; runners-up each win $200. Contact: Dr. Bob Mooneyham, Executive Director, NREA Headquarters, University of Oklahoma, 820 Van Vleet Oval, Room 227, Norman, OK 73019; (405) 325-7959; e-mail bmooneyham@ou.edu; www.nrea.net.

*April 15 LITERATURE
The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors an annual essay contest for high school juniors and seniors on Ayn Rand’s novel The Fountainhead. Students submit 800- to 1,600-word essays on one of three topics chosen by the institute. The top essayist receives a $10,000 award; five second-prize winners receive $2,000 each, and 10 third-prize winners receive $1,000 each. Contact: The Fountainhead Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 57044, Irvine, CA 92619-7044; (949) 222-6550, ext. 209; e-mail essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests.

*Apri l 15 LITERATURE
Literary works publisher Signet Classic invites high school juniors and seniors to participate in its Scholarship Essay Contest. Students write essays on one of four topics pertaining to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The essay must be submitted with a cover letter from a high school English teacher. Five winners each receive a $1,000 scholarship and a Signet Classic library for their schools. Contact: Penguin Putnam Inc., Academic Marketing Department, Signet Scholarship Essay Contest, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014; www.penguinputnam.com/academic .

*April 15 PLAYWRIGHTS
The VSA arts Playwright Discovery Award challenges grades 6-12 students of all abilities to express their views about disabilities by writing a one-act play. Two plays will be produced at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Recipients receive a scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. Applications and more information are available from the Web site. Contact: VSA arts, (800) 933- 8721; www.vsarts.org.

*April 26 DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION
Full-time students in grades 6-12 are invited to enter an essay contest sponsored by the NO-ADdiction campaign, a nonprofit initiative to prevent drug and alcohol use among students. The contest, which is divided into two categories by grade, offers students the opportunity to have essays arguing against substance abuse judged by a panel of celebrities, including ‘N Sync, Britney Spears, 98º, Mandy Moore, BBMAK, Kelly Clarkson, Vanessa Carlton, Kobe Bryant, and Tyra Banks. Students in grades 9-12 write 300-word essays explaining why they have chosen not to use drugs or alcohol and what they have done to support prevention efforts within their schools or communities; 20 entrants receive $500 college scholarships from the NO-ADdiction Scholarship Fund. Participants in grades 6-8 submit 200- word statements explaining why they have chosen not to smoke and how they encourage others to quit smoking; 40 students each win a $200 savings bond. Contact: NO-ADdiction Campaign, P.O. Box 4628, Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0628; (800) 662-3342; e-mail NoAd@aol.com.

*May 1 SCHOLARSHIP
The Youth and Education Services of the National Hot Rod Association announce the Sears Craftsman Scholarship to help college-bound high school seniors continue their education, while acknowledging the academic achievement, citizenship, extracurricular activities, community service, and work experience of each applicant. Three students from each of the seven geographic divisions of the NHRA, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, receive $1,000 scholarships. Applicants must be seniors graduating from public, private, or parochial schools between January 1 and June 30. They must demonstrate good character, a minimum GPA of 2.5, leadership ability, and involvement in extracurricular school and community activities. They also must plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical/vocational program. Preference is given to those planning a career in automotive technology, industrial or technical manufacturing, or marketing. Contact: Sears Craftsman Scholarship, NHRA Youth and Education Services, 2035 Financial Way, Glendora, CA 91741-4602; (626) 250-2296; www.nhra.com/aboutnhr/youth.htm .

—Vanessa Dea andLaShell Stratton

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