Scholarship for students now available

Applications for the 2000-2001 academic year financial assistance programs are now available, the CNMI Scholarship Office announced yesterday.

This season, the Scholarship Office has slots available for three scholarship programs for incoming college students, college students, and professionals.

Public Law 7-32 scholarship as amended by Public Law 11-77 is a scholarship awarded to graduating high school students with the highest scholastic achievement from the islands of Saipan, Rota, and Tinian.

The selection is made from the top two students from the islands of Tinian and Rota, and two from off-island if they meet the criteria set by law.

Applications and supporting documents for this program must be submitted no later than June 30, 2000.

The supporting documents include U.S. passport or birth certificate from court, official transcript, acceptance letter into the institution, 2 years proof residency (1998-1999), valid CNMI voters affidavit number, and others (SAT, certificates of student activities, honors, etc.).

The “teacher scholarship” is awarded to Juniors and Seniors in the field of teaching early childhood development and special education.

In addition to meeting policy set criteria, they must also be admitted into the school of education at their institution.

Freshmen and sophomores are given “incentive” awards for being in the teaching field.

Applications must be received or postmarked no later than July 1. Supporting documents may be turned in at a later date.

Applicants for the teacher scholarship must also submit the above supporting documents but with a required 3-year proof of residency (1997-1999) and a certification letter from the education department.

The Educational Assistance Program (EAP) is grant awarded to all other students enrolled in an accredited institution pursuing a Certificate, Associate degree and Baccalaureate degree who meets set criteria as stated in the policy.

Financial Assistance is also available for Graduate and professional students.

Nursing, accounting, and education have been identified as most needed professions in the Commonwealth. All students studying in these fields are awarded an incentive in addition to the grant.

Applications must be received or postmarked no later than July 1. Supporting documents, as previously mentioned, may be turned in at a later date. Only a 2-year proof of residency is required for the EAP.

The Scholarship Office yesterday conducted a presentation at Marianas High School tackling the essentials of each of the offered programs, according to Scholarship Counselor Meliza S. Guajardo.

A presentation for students at Rota High School is set for May 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Other presentations will follow at the Northern Marianas College on May 11 at 10:00 a.m.

All other high schools (public and private) including Tinian have been served.

Any interested organization wishing for a presentation may or visit the Scholarship Office at the Joeten Dan Dan Commercial building, 1st floor.