It’s time to apply for cash to study

Monday, Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students can apply for scholarships from the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation.

The deadline to apply is March 15.

Students can begin their application by visiting www.arcf.org/apply/scholarships/.

Last year, $46,100 in scholarships were awarded to Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students.

Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. In general, the community foundation scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs, according to a news release.

Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college.

Other scholarships are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.

High school seniors from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County are eligible to apply for these scholarships, established for students in, but not limited to, sports, history, library sciences, English, education, health care and hospital administration.

The foundation awards approximately 15 scholarships in the area. The local committee will review applications in March.

Special awards are also available:

■ The Robert P. Atkinson Leadership Scholarship goes to a student pursuing a master’s level or above degree with an emphasis in administration within the health care field.

■ The Betty Abbott Scholarship and Pinchback Taylor Scholarship are available through Southeast Arkansas Technical College.

■ The William A. and Genevieve H. Strong Scholarship is available through the math department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in our students,” said Lawrence Fikes, executive director of the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation.

Fikes continued: “These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.”

The Arkansas Community foundation is a nonprofit organization that fosters smart giving to improve communities.

It offers tools to help Arkansans protect, grow and direct their charitable dollars as they learn more about community needs, according to the release.

Details: pinebluffarea@arcf.org or (870) 850-7934.