Community foundation offers scholarships

Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation will accept scholarship applications from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County students Feb. 1 through March 15. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs.

Last year, the foundation awarded $37, 500 in scholarships. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, according to a news release.

“Funding for these scholarships comes from families, businesses and individuals who want to support higher education and invest in our students,” said Lawrence Fikes, foundation executive director. “These donors determine the size and eligibility criteria for the scholarships they create, and we manage the scholarship process on their behalf.”

Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.

The scholarships were established for, but not limited to, students in the general areas of sports, history, library sciences, English, education, healthcare and/or hospital administration.

Examples of available scholarships include:

■ The Robert P. Atkinson Leadership Scholarship for a student pursuing a master’s level or above degree with an emphasis in administration within the healthcare field;

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

■ The William A. and Genevieve H. Strong Scholarship available through the Math Department at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

For the full list of scholarships, to begin the application process or for details, visit www.arcf.org/scholarships or contact Lawrence Fikes at 9pinebluffarea@arcf.org, or (870) 850-7934.

The deadline to apply is March 15. The Community Foundation Scholarship Committee will review applications in March.