Zonta offering scholarships

[January 25, 2012]  Thanks to everyone who bought tickets to Zonta's turkey dinner, the Zonta Club of Lincoln is able to offer two different scholarships for young women. The first of these is Zonta International's Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship, and the second is Zonta Club of Lincoln's Women's Career Scholarship.

The goal of the Young Women in Public Affairs program is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the advancement of the status of women.

The YWPA Scholarship is open to women age 16-19 who are living or studying in a Zonta district at the time the application is submitted to the district. They do not have to be Logan County residents to apply. Students applying need to demonstrate the following:

• Active commitment to volunteerism.

• Experience in local or student government.

• Volunteer leadership achievements.

• Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.

• Advocating in Zonta International's mission of advancing the status of women worldwide.

Zonta Club of Lincoln will offer the local winner no less than $300, and the recipient will have an opportunity to compete on a district level for a $1,000 award. International winners are chosen from district recipients to receive awards of $3,000 each.

Applications for the YWPA Scholarship are available at Logan County high schools, colleges and universities, as well as on the Zonta International website at www.zonta.org. Note that the application deadline for the local award is Feb. 21.

The second scholarship being offered is the Women's Career Scholarship, which is open to any Logan County woman. The school to be attended need not be an Illinois institution; however, it must be accredited or recognized as an approved program in the field of study. Top candidates will be selected based on merit, activities, leadership, honors, awards and need. Awards are offered on a one-academic-year basis, and applicants can reapply year after year. Students having less than one academic year remaining until graduation are not eligible for consideration.

Applications are available at local high schools, colleges and university guidance offices. The deadline for this scholarship application is March 19.

For more information or to obtain either application, contact Christel Huff, chairman, Zonta Club of Lincoln Scholarship Committee, 211 Latham St., Lincoln, IL 62656; home phone [phone] or cellphone 217-737-4470; email [e-mail]. The applications can be emailed to you.

[Text from file received]