High school seniors who are the dependents of independent small business owners in this area are eligible to apply for a scholarship offered by the Padgett Business Services Foundation. Scholarship applicants must be graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a post-secondary accredited institution. In addition, the parent or legal guardian of the student must be an active owner of at least 10 percent of the stock or capital in a local business that employs fewer than 20 people. All awards will be based on applicant college aptitude test scores, high school grade point averages, and educational and career plans. Local winners will be announced in May.

The deadline for applying is March 1, 2001. For an application and further information about the Padgett Business Services Foundation Scholarship Program, phone your local Padgett office at (703) 369-0926. All regional winners will become eligible for a grand prize scholarship of $4000. The grand prizewinner will be announced in June.

If you are a credit union member currently enrolled at an institution of higher learning or a high school senior who plans to continue your education, you’re eligible to apply for one of Synergy One’s $1,000 scholarships. In addition, they will submit your application to the FOCUS committee of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Credit Unions for a chance at an additional scholarship.