Following are application dates for student contests, scholarships, and internships. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
March WRITING AND ILLUSTRATION
PBS stations and Reading Rainbow are accepting entries for the Young Writers and Illustrators Contest, inviting children in grades K-3 to let their imaginations run wild as storybook writers and illustrators. Stories can be nonfiction or 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 according to individual stations. For more information, including contact information for state stations, visit
gpn.unl.edu/rainbow.
March 1 CARTOONS
NewsCurrents, a weekly current events program produced for schools by Knowledge Unlimited Inc., announces its Student Editorial Cartoon Contest. Students in grades K-12 enter cartoons that are judged on clarity, originality, and knowledge of the subject. First-, second-, and third-place winners are named in three categories: K-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Winners receive savings bonds, and the top 100 cartoons are featured in the forthcoming book Editorial Cartoons by Kids, 2001. Contact: Knowledge Unlimited, NewsCurrents Editorial Cartoon Contest, P.O. Box 52, Madison, WI 53701; (800) 356-2303; www.ku.com.
March 14 INVENTIONS
The National Science Teachers Association and Sears, Roebuck, and Co. sponsor the annual Craftsman/ NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program. This program encourages students in grades 2-8 to design and build a tool. Ten finalists each receive a $5,000 U.S. savings bond; two winners, one from grades 2-5 and one from grades 6-8, are awarded an additional $5,000 U.S. savings bond. Twelve second-place regional winners, six from each grade level, receive $500 savings bonds; 12 third-place regional winners get $250 savings bonds. Their schools also receive prizes. Contact: Craftsman/ NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201; (888) 494-4994; e-mail younginventors@nsta.org; www.nsta.org/programs/craftsman.
March 15 DIVERSITY
The Gates Millennium Scholars, a program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the United Negro College Fund, aims to expand access to higher education to those citizens or permanent residents who help reflect the diversity of our society. High school teachers or principals may nominate African American, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian Pacific American, or Hispanic American college- bound high school seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. Nominees must demonstrate both significant financial need and leadership ability through participation in community service or extracurricular activities. One thousand awards are granted; the scholarship amounts depend on the nformation, contact: Gates Millennium Scholars Program, P.O. Box 1434, Alexandria, VA 22313; (877) 690-GMSP; www.gmsp.org.
March 15 ESSAYS
The Skirball Institute on American Values of the American Jewish Committee announces its annual essay contest. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 respond to the question “What do U.S. history and literature teach us about the role of religion in American public life?” First prize is $5,000; second prize is $1,000; and third prize is $500. Some AJC chapters also offer regional prizes of $300. For more information, visit the Skirball Institute on American Values at www.skirballinstitute.org.
March 15 HANDWRITING
Peterson Directed Handwriting is sponsoring the National Cursive Handwriting Contest for students in grades 3-8. Entries are judged on such characteristics as fluent control of letter formation, forward slant, size, proportion, and spacing. One winner from each grade receives a $50 U.S. savings bond and a framed certificate. All entries judged “excellent” are elected to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and are awarded a certificate of recognition. Writing samples should contain at least four lines of writing. Grade 3 entries may be done in pencil; entries from grades 4-8 must be written in ink. For more information, contact: Peterson Handwriting, P.O. Box 249, Greensburg, PA 15601-0249; (724) 837-4900; e-mail mrpencil@peterson-handwriting.com;
www.peterson-handwriting.com.
March 15 STUDENT COUNCIL
The National Association of Student Councils offers the National Association of Student Councils/National Organization on Disability Awards Program, a competition designed 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. For more information, contact: NASC/ NOD, 1904 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1537; (703) 860-0200, ext. 325; fax (703) 476-5432; e-mail nasc@principals.org; dsa.principals.org.
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. Ten second-prize winners receive $500 each, and 20 third-prize winners receive $200 each. For more information, contact: Anthem Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; (800) 365-6552, ext. 209; e-mail essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests.
*March 22 SMOKING PREVENTION
As part of its Youth Smoking Prevention Program, Lorillard Tobacco Co. invites 5th-12th grade students to enter the “Cool News” contest. Students write articles to be published in their school newspapers on one of two topics: “The Top 10 Reasons Teens Shouldn’t Smoke” and “Cool Ways to Say ‘No.’ ” The winner receives a trophy and certificate; the winner’s school is awarded computer equipment and services totaling $5,000. Entries are judged on content, persuasiveness, and quality of writing. For more information, contact: TeenH.I.P., “Cool News” Program, Weber Shandwick, 676 N. St. Clair, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60611; www.buttoutnow.com.
March 25 ESSAYS
The Harry Singer Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes responsibility and involvement in public policy, sponsors three separate essay contests, each offering cash prizes. High school students are eligible to apply for these contests, which address the topics of “War and Peace,” “Government as Regulator,” and “Why Do Terrorists Attack the United States?” Judging is based on how well essays identify specific issues and answer particular questions listed on the Singer Foundation’s Web site. Additionally, schools that submit a minimum of 10 essays receive cash incentives of $50 to $100. For more information, contact: Essay Contest, Harry Singer Foundation, P.O. Box 223159, Carmel, CA 93922; (831) 625-4223; fax (831) 624-7994; e-mail contests@singerfoundation.org; www.singerfoundation.org.
March 29 WOMEN ATHLETES
The Chevrolet/Michelle Kwan R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Scholarship Program recognizes 10 outstanding female high school students across the United States who are involved in athletics. Each scholarship provides a $5,000 award payable over four years, $2,000 the first year and $1,000 each additional year. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, exhibit excellence in athletics and community involvement, intend to enroll in college and continue athletics while there, and demonstrate financial need. Applicants submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement of 500 to 750 words describing the impact of athletics on their high school careers. For more information, contact: GM Scholarship Administration Center, 702 W. Fifth Ave., Naperville, IL 60563; (888) 377-5233; fax (630) 428-2695; www.chevy.com/rewards.
March 31 ART
Dick Blick Art Materials sponsors the annual Linoleum Block Print Contest for students in grades 4-12. 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. For more information, 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/gifts/blockcontest.
March 31 KOREAN STUDIES
The Korea Society invites students in grades 9-12 to submit essays responding to the theme “U.S.-Korea relations in the new millennium.” Cash prizes are awarded; a grand-prize winner also receives a weeklong trip for two to Korea. For more information, contact: Korean Cultural Service, Essay on Korea, 2370 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20008; (202) 797-6343; fax (202) 387-0413; e-mail essay@koreaemborg; www.essayonkorea.org.
*March 31 SCHOLARSHIPS
The Robert G. Porter Scholars Program provides four college-bound high school seniors with $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 as well as high grades. For more information, 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 GRAPHICS COMMUNICATIONS
The directors of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation annually sponsor 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 the 300 scholarships worth from $1,000 to $1,500. Candidates are judged on high school academic records, class rank, recommendations from school authorities, extracurricular activities, and academic honors. For more information, contact: Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 200 Deer Run Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143-2600; (412) 741-6860, ext. 161; fax (412) 741-2311; e-mail ptsf@gatf.org; www.gatf.org.
*April 1 MARINES
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation sponsors a program to assist children of active duty U.S. Marines or former U.S. Marines who have received honorable discharge or medical discharge or were killed while serving in the Marine Corps. Applicants must be high school seniors or registered undergraduates with a combined family income of no more than $49,000. One thousand scholarships, ranging from $500 to $2,500, are awarded. For more information, 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 Presbyterian Church U.S.A. offers Student Opportunity Scholarships to Asian, African American, Hispanic, and Native American students. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, members of the Presbyterian Church, and college-bound high school seniors or GED recipients. Awards are given on a first-come, first- serve basis to students with demonstrated financial need. The number and size of the awards depend on the number of applications, students’ need, and available funds; the maximum value of the award is $1,000 per academic year. For more information, contact: Maria Alvarez, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., Financial Aid for Studies, 100 Witherspoon St., Room M-046, Louisville, KY 40202-1396; (888) 728-7228, ext. 5760; e-mail MariaA@ctr.pcusa.org.
*April 1 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, winners 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. For more information, contact: Jackie Robinson Foundation, Scholarship Program, 3 W. 35th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001-2204; (212) 290-8600; www.jackierobinson.org.
*April 1 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 winners receive $5,000 each, disbursed over two years, and participate in both an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and a retreat with other awardees. For more information, contact: Yoshiyama Award, P.O. Box 19247, Washington, DC 20036- 9247; (202) 457-0588.
*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. For more information, contact: The Fountainhead Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; (800) 365-6552, ext. 209; e-mail essay@aynrand.org; www.aynrand.org/contests.
*April 15 LITERATURE
Signet Classic, publisher of literary works, invites high school juniors and seniors to participate in its Scholarship Essay Contest. Students write essays on one of four topics pertaining to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. 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. For more information, contact: Penguin Putnam Inc., Academic Marketing Department, Signet Scholarship Essay Contest, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014; www.penguinputnam.com.
*April 15 PLAYWRIGHTS
The VSA Arts Playwrights Discovery Award provides student playwrights the opportunity to develop their interests and skills. Students in grades 6-12 create works that explore some aspect of disability to be reviewed by a panel of theater-arts professionals. Two plays are selected for full production or staged reading at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact: VSA Arts, 1300 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036; (800) 933-8721; e-mail playwrights@vsarts.org; www.vsarts.org.
*April 15 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 my rural school special?” Elementary school entries are limited to 250 words; middle school and high school entries may be no more than 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 school and high school entries each earn $400, and the runners-up each win $200. For more information, contact: Al Eads Jr., Acting Executive Director, National Rural Education Association Headquarters, Room 246, Education Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523- 1588; (970) 491-7022; e-mail doceads@aol.com; www.nrea.colostate.edu.
*April 16 SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Foundation provides scholarships to engineering and science students throughout the nation. Awards are based on academic achievement, financial need, commitment to a college education, involvement in the school and community, career goals, and recommendations. Three hundred scholarships, ranging from $500 to $7,000, are given. To qualify, applicants must be high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students enrolled full-time as engineering or science majors. For more information, contact: 5400 E. Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90022; (323) 888- 2080; e-mail kathy@shpefoundation.org; www.shpe.foundation.org.
*April 26 DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION
Full-time high school 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, grades 6-8 and 9-12, offers students the opportunity to have their anti-substance-abuse essays judged by a panel of celebrities, including ’N Sync, Britney Spears, 98º, Mandy Moore, BBMAK, Tatyana Ali, Jessica Simpson, 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 further prevention efforts in their schools or communities. Twenty of these students receive $500 college scholarships from the NO-ADdiction Scholarship Fund. Participants in grades 6-8 submit 100-word statements explaining why they have chosen not to smoke and how they encourage others to quit smoking. Forty students in this category each win a $200 savings bond. For more information and a free campaign kit, contact: NO- ADdiction Campaign, P.O. Box 4628, Miami Lakes, FL 33014-0628; (800) 662-3342; e-mail NoAd@aol.com.
*April 30 ASTHMA
Schering/Key, a worldwide pharmaceutical company, offers the Will-to-Win Asthma Athletes Scholarships to any asthmatic high school senior who excels in athletics as well as academics. Selection is based on outstanding athletic performance, academic achievement, community and extracurricular activities, and leadership abilities. One grant of $10,000, four grants of $5,000, and five grants of $1,000 are available. Scholarships are paid directly to the college or university where the student plans to pursue undergraduate studies. For more information, contact: Schering/Key Corp., 2918 N. 72nd St., Omaha, NE 68134; (800) 558-7305; e-mail parents@parentsinc.org; www.parentsinc.org/finaid/aid6528.html.
*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 geographical divisions of the NHRA, including all 50 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 2.0, 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. For more information, contact: Sears Craftsman Scholarship, NHRA Youth and Education Services, 2035 Financial Way, Glendora, CA 91741-4602; (626) 914-4761, ext. 427; www.nhra.com/aboutnhr/youth.htm.
*May 1 SCIENCE
iScienceProject.com encourages K-12 students to enter its Web-based science contest. More than $100,000 worth of HOBO data loggers, battery-operated devices that measure the temperature of water, air, or matter among other factors, are lent for up to two months to selected participants, who conduct classroom experiments or science projects. The most impressive results are posted on iScienceProject. com, and the students responsible for those results win prizes ranging from a $20 gift certificate toward HOBO equipment to $100 plus a HOBO data logger. Awards are given in four grade divisions: K-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12. For more information, visit www.iScienceProject. com, or contact Rich Marvin, Program Manager, (800) 564-4366; e-mail rich_marvin@onsetcomp.com.
*May 3 PAINTING
The Glidden Paint Company, a Cleveland-based manufacturer of architectural paints, announces the Colorful Classrooms Campaign. This summer, on National Paint Day, Glidden volunteers will paint selected kindergarten classrooms across the country free of charge. Anyone may nominate a classroom by submitting essays, poems, photographs, or works created by children; self- nominations also are accepted. For more information, contact: Colorful Classrooms Campaign, Glidden Company, 925 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115; (800) Glidden; www.gliddenpaint.com.
*May 15 SOCIAL AWARENESS
Beyond Words Publishing announces the Generation Fix: Young Leaders for a Better World Contest. Students ages 9 to 16 are encouraged to submit their ideas for how to solve one of the problems facing the world such as homelessness, violence, or pollution. Beyond Words publishes 20 to 30 winning submissions in a book called Kids’ Solutions. Each entry should include a one- to two-page description of how to fix the problem or what the student is already doing to solve the problem at home or in the community. Winners receive a free copy of the book and have the opportunity to be interviewed for television, radio, or magazines. For more information, contact Generation Fix: Young Leaders for a Better World Contest, Beyond Words Publishing Inc., 20827 N.W. Cornell Rd., Suite 500, Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 531-8700; e-mail info@beyondword.com; www.beyondword.com.
*May 15 WOMEN ENGINEERS
The Society of Women Engineers offers a number of scholarships to women enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate ABET- accredited or SWE-approved engineering degree program or computer science program. SWE administers more than 100 scholarship awards annually, ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000 per year. Freshman applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5; other criteria vary depending on the scholarship. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. For more information, contact: Scholarship Selection Committee, Society of Women Engineers, 230 E. Ohio, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60611; (312) 596-5223; fax (312) 644-8557; e-mail hq@swe.org; www.swe.org.
—Rose Gordon and Sarah Wassner
