Following are application dates for student contests, scholarships, and internships. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*Open CARING
The Caring Institute seeks nominations of students 18 years old and younger who demonstrate extraordinary compassion, caring, and selflessness. Five winners each receive a $2,000 college scholarship, an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., and a place in the Hall of Fame for Caring Americans. Contact: Nicole Bumpus, Caring Institute, 320 A St. N.E., Washington, DC 20002; (202) 547-4273; e-mail inquiries@caring-institute.org; www.caring-institute.org.
*Open COMMUNITY SERVICE
The Prudential Insurance Company of America, in partnership with Youth Service America and the Center for Creative Leadership, presents the Youth Leadership Institute to give teenagers hands-on experience in facilitating a community project. Administered by the Points of Light Foundation with trainers in more than 48 states, the program is open to high school students who demonstrate leadership potential in their community. Participants complete 30 hours of curriculum work and community service projects that they choose, create, and implement. For more information, contact: Laura Raine, Points of Light Foundation, 1400 I St. N.W., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 729-8000; e-mail lraine@pointsoflight.org; www.pyli.org.
*Open CREATIVITY
Creative Kids magazine, a product of Prufrock Press, publisher of literature to support the education of gifted children, requests submissions from students ages 8 to 14. Original cartoons, songs, stories of 800 to 900 words, puzzles, photographs, artwork, games, activities, editorials, poetry, and plays all are accepted. Teachers or students submit work labeled with the child’s name, birth date, grade, school, and home address. Students whose materials are selected for publication receive a free copy of the Creative Kids issue in which their work appears. Contact: Submissions Editor, Creative Kids, P.O. Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813; (800) 998-2208; www.prufrock.com/mag_ck.html.
*Open ENVIRONMENT
Greentimes, an environmental newspaper written by and for kids, welcomes students’ stories and ideas for publication. For more information, contact: Elizabeth Gilmore, Greentimes, 55 Reservoir St., Cambridge, MA 02138; (617) 868-5760; habitat@greenscreen.org; www.greenscreen.org.
*Open HISTORY
The Concord Review, the only quarterly journal to publish secondary students’ academic work, accepts student essays on any historical topic. Essays should be approximately 5,000 words plus endnotes. They also must be accompanied by an entry form, which is available on the Review’s Web site, and a check for $40. Submissions chosen for publication are eligible for the Emerson Prize, a $3,000 award. For more information, contact: Concord Review, 730 Boston Post Rd., Suite 24, Sudbury, MA 01776; (800) 331-5007 or (978) 443-0022; e-mail fitzhugh@tcr.org; www.tcr.org.
*Open PEN PALS
World Pen Pals promotes international friendship and cultural understanding among young people around the world. Students in 5th grade through college are invited to request an overseas pen pal. Teachers may request a brochure on class participation. For more information, contact: World Pen Pals, P.O. Box 337, Saugerties, NY 12477; (845) 246-7828; www.world-pen-pals.com.
*Open TELEVISION
CNN Student News, Turner Broadcasting’s news and features program for schools, airs student-produced videos. Students may submit reports of no more than two-and-a- half minutes on any topic, though they are encouraged to focus on CNN’s monthly themes. Participation is open to schools enrolled in the CNN Student News classroom program and the Student Bureau Program. The two-part application is available online. Contact: CNN Student News, 1 CNN Center, P.O. Box 105366, Atlanta, GA 30348-5366; (800) 344-6219; www.cnnstudentnews.com.
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 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. 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 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. 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-served 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. 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/a id6528.html.
*April 30 FLAG DAY
The National Flag Foundation asks K-6 students to capture the essence of Flag Day through illustrations, posters, poetry, or short stories. Submissions-which must include the student’s name, address, phone number, age, grade, school, parents’ signatures, title, and the type of submission-should reflect the theme “The Flag: Touching All Generations.” Students’ works are displayed during the Flag Day celebration on June 14 in Pittsburgh and become part of the NFF archives. Contact: Barbara Goldman, NFF, Celebrate Flag Day, Flag Plaza, 1275 Bedford Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219; (412) 261-1776; fax (412) 261-9132; e-mail barbara@americanflags.org; www.americanflags.org.
*April 30 INVENTORS
AsktheInventors.com, the Web site of Ghostline poster board, announces the Ghostline Poster Contest. Students in grades 1-6 create posters describing “the invention that has been most important in my life and why.” Entries must be on eleven-by-fourteen-inch Ghostline poster board. The student’s name, address, phone number, age, grade, school name and address, and teacher’s name must be on the back. One first-place winner in each grade receives $100 for the student and $100 for his or her teacher. Second- and third-place prizes of $50 and $25, respectively, are given to students in each grade. Winners are announced in August during National Inventors Month. Contact: Ghostline Poster Contest, P.O. Box 251248, Plano, TX 75025; (972) 312-0090; e- mail barb@asktheinventors.com; www.asktheinventors.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 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, contact: Rich Marvin, Program Manager, (800) 564-4366; e-mail rich_marvin@onsetcomp.com; www.iScienceProject.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 scholarships 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. 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.
*June 1 ARTS
The National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts honors graduating high school seniors or artists who are 17 and 18 years old through the Arts Recognition and Talent Search. The foundation acknowledges talent in visual arts, film and video, dance, theater, writing, photography, and music composition and performance. Winners receive scholarships ranging from $100 to $3,000 and the chance to be named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. In addition, three $25,000 cash awards are given to winners in voice, jazz, and music. The NFAA selects 125 students to take an expenses-paid trip to Miami for Arts Week, which includes performances, interviews, master classes, and group projects. Students applying by June 1 pay a $30 entry fee; those applying after that but before October 1 pay $40. Entrants submit slides of their artwork, audio or videotapes of performances, or writing samples. For more information, contact: Arts Recognition and Talent Search, 800 Brickell Ave., Suite 500, Miami, FL 33131; (800) 970-2787; e-mail info@nfaa.org; www.artsawards.org.
*June 1 CREATIVITY
Creative Kids magazine, a product of Prufrock Press, publisher of literature to support the education of gifted children, announces contests for students ages 8 to 14. Submissions to the art contest address the theme “America the Beautiful” with any kind of vertical artwork and include an explanation of how the art shows love for America. First-place winners chosen in two categories, black and white and color, each receive an artist’s set. Applicants to the cooking contest send their favorite recipe for food or something else inedible but fun, a photo of the creation, and a statement from a teacher that the recipe was completed. The first-place winner receives a baking kit. Second- and third-place winners in both contests receive Creative Kids T-shirts. All entries should include the student’s name, address, birth date, grade, a statement of originality from an adult, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. For more information, contact: Creative Kids magazine, Contests, P.O. Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813; (800) 998- 2208; www.prufrock.com/mag_ck.html.
*June 1 PATRIOTISM
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge seeks entries for two essay contests for middle and high school students. Specific topics for the military essay contest vary, but students should focus on the themes of patriotism and responsible citizenship. Applicants for the youth essay contest should reflect on “the Bill of Rights and what it means to me.” All essays should be typed and run 500 to 1,000 words. Each contest honors one meritorious award recipient with a $100 U.S. savings bond and a George Washington honor plaque; one middle school student and one high school student in each contest receive a $50 U.S. savings bond and an honor ribbon. All entries receive an official Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge certificate. For more information, contact: Carolyn Hallman, Director of Awards, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 1601 Valley Forge Rd., Valley Forge, PA 19482; (610) 933-8825, ext. 234; fax (610) 935-0522; e-mail challman@ffvf.org; www.ffvf.org.
*June 1 PEACE
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, an international educational organization, announces the theme for the 2002 Swackhamer Peace Essay Contest: “What policies should the U.S. government establish to significantly limit and end the use of weapons of mass destruction? " High school students should submit essays of no more than 1,500 words. Essays are judged on subject knowledge, originality of ideas, development of point of view, insight, clarity, organization, and grammar. The first-, second-, and third-place winners receive $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. For more information, contact: Swackhamer Peace Essay Contest, PMB 121, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, 1187 Coast Village Rd., Suite 1, Santa Barbara, CA 93108-2794; wagingpeace@napf.org; www.wagingpeace.org.
*June 5 SCIENCE FAIR
Discovery Communications Inc., in partnership with Science Service, encourages students in grades 5-8 to participate in the fourth annual Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. Students who enter Science Service-affiliated regional or state science fairs are eligible; judges at these fairs nominate individuals for the contest. Forty finalists win a trip to Washington, D.C., for the competition held at the Smithsonian Institution and other locations. One top winner receives a $15,000 scholarship; second- and third-place winners earn $7,500 and $3,750, respectively. Contact: Michele Glidden, 1719 N St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036-2888; (202) 785-2255; e- mail sciedu@sciserve.org; www.discoveryschoo l.com/sciencefaircentral/dysc.
*June 20 PUBLISHING
The Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards recognize students ages 7 to 17 for their contributions to multicultural awareness, peace and nonviolence, social responsibility, and nature and ecology. The 2002 themes are “The Internet’s Impact on Multicultural Issues,” “World Wide Web of Nature: Technology and the Web of Life,” and “http://hip/or hype?” Ten articles, poems, and photos that illustrate these themes are selected for publication in Skipping Stones magazine. There is an entry fee of $3, which may be waived for low- income applicants. For more information, contact: Youth Honor Awards, Skipping Stones Magazine, P.O. Box 3939, Eugene, OR 97403-0939; (541) 342-4956; e-mail skipping@efn.org; www.efn.org/~skipping.
*July 1 BOARDING SCHOOLS
The Commonweal Foundation announces the Pathways to Success program, which awards scholarships to boarding schools, providing students the opportunity to increase their academic skills, gain work experience, and expand their knowledge of life beyond their local communities. Scholarships may be used at any Pathways Partner School and are determined on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed $4,000 per academic year. Funds are distributed directly to the schools. Any student who is new to the boarding school experience and entering grades 9-12 may apply. Students must have potential for success in a regular or accelerated classroom setting, be willing to participate in work and community-service opportunities, and demonstrate financial need. Contact: Sharon Rubin, 10770 Columbia Pike, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20901; (301) 592-1316; fax (301) 592-1307; www.commonweal- foundation.org.
—Rose Gordon
