Following are application dates for student contests, scholarships, and internships. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*November 15 BEETLES
The Coleopterists Society invites children in grades 7-12 to apply for its Youth Incentive Award, which recognizes young people studying beetles. Up to two winners are selected annually, one each in the junior (grades 7-9) and senior (grades 10-12) categories, for proposed activities or projects about beetles. Proposals are evaluated on degree of creativity, educational benefit to the applicant, scientific merit, feasibility, and budgetary planning. Students may only apply individually but are strongly encouraged to find an adult adviser. Award recipients receive grants of up to $150, a $200 (junior) or $400 (senior) equipment credit from BioQuip Products, and a one-year subscription to the society’s journal, The Coleopterists Bulletin. The society can assist in establishing contacts between youth and professional coleopterists. For more information, contact: Dr. David G. Furth, Entomology, NHB, MRC 165, P.O. Box 37012, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20013-7012; (202) 633-0990; fax (202) 786-2894; e-mail furthd@si.edu; www.coleopsoc.org.
*November 15 BUSINESS
Independent Means Inc., a company that produces programs and products promoting financial independence, invites young women ages 13-21 to create their own business plans for the 2005 National Business Plan Competition for Young Women. Three winners receive $2,000, an opportunity to earn a scholarship to Camp Start-Up, and more. Applications are available on the Web site. Contact: Independent Means Inc., 126 E. Haley St., #A16, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; (805) 965-0475 or (800) 350-1816; fax (805) 965-3148; e-mail mkerner@independentmeans.com; www.independentmeans.com.
*November 16 SCIENCE
The Intel Science Talent Search is a competition for U.S. high school seniors who excel in science, math, and engineering. Each fall, more than 1,600 seniors submit individual research reports and essays to vie for the top prize, a $100,000 scholarship. Intel STS names 300 semifinalists who, along with their schools, are awarded $1,000. Forty finalists attend the Science Talent Institute in Washington, D.C., in March, where students exhibit their research at the National Academy of Sciences and meet with scientists. Complete information is available on the Web site. Contact: Intel Science Talent Search, Science Service, 1719 N St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 785-2255; e-mail sciedu@sciserv.org; www.sciserv.org/sts.
*November 30 GARDENING
The National Gardening Association will award 150 Youth Garden Grants to schools and community organizations with child-centered outdoor garden programs. Winning programs will receive a Home Depot gift card for the purchase of gardening materials and supplies particular to the needs of their programs; 12 months of NGA Supporter benefits; and an activity package from NGA. Selection criteria include leadership; need; sustainability; community support; innovation; and educational, environmental, and/or social programming. Applications are available on the Web site. Contact: Donna Booska, Grants, National Gardening Association, 1100 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT 05403; (802) 863-5251, ext. 115; www.kidsgardening.com.
*December 12 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Sponsored by the U.S. Army, eCYBERMISSION is a free Web-based science, math, and technology competition that allows students in grades 6-9 to compete for regional and national awards while working to solve problems in their community. Prizes for regional and national first-place winners include up to $8,000 in U.S. savings bonds, an expenses-paid trip for several days of educational activities and final judging, media recognition, T-shirts, and more. Registration ends December 12; the submission deadline for Mission Folders is February 21. Contact: Rob Nock, Mission Control, (866) 462-9237; www.ecybermission.com.
*December 16 ART
Sakura of America announces the 11th annual Cray-Pas Wonderful, Colorful World art contest. Using oil pastels, students compete for prizes for themselves, their schools, and their sponsoring teachers. Entries are judged on creativity, technique, and visual impact, in three grade levels: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. First- through third-place winners in each category receive a U.S. savings bond, a T-shirt with their winning artwork, a supply of Sakura products, and gift certificates from participating sponsors. Up to 25 honorable mentions in each grade category receive a T-shirt printed with their artwork and Sakura art materials. Entry forms may be requested by phone or e-mail, printed from the Web site, or picked up at Michael’s Arts & Crafts Stores and other retail sponsors. Contact: Sakura of America, (800) 776-6257, ext. 177; e-mail express@sakuraofamerica.com; www.sakuraofamerica.com.
—Annie O’Connell and Marianne D. Hurst
