First Wind offers local scholarships

Applications are now open and available for the 2014 scholarship program conducted by First Wind. Entering its fifth year, First Wind Scholars will make scholarships available to qualified high school seniors in communities where the company has projects in operation.

High school seniors who attend schools where First Wind projects a operating are eligible to apply. That includes Garfield, Oakesdale, Rosalia, St. John, Spangle and Tekoa.

In the past four years they have committed nearly $250,000 to 59 students. As part of the 2014 program, 16 one-time awards will be granted to students within host communities .

Qualified students enrolling in full-time degree programs with an interest in science, technology and/or the environment are invited to apply.

First Wind Scholars recipients will be awarded a one-time $3,000 scholarship for one year. The company also awards one scholarship of $5,000, renewable for up to four years, to the year’s single most qualified applicant.

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students need a GPA of at least 2.75 and must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study with a focus on the sciences, technology or engineering. Applications are open and available online with all submission due by Feb. 15. Applications are evaluated on a number of factors, including academic performance, work experience, school and community activities and a 300-word essay. The First Win Scholars recipients will be announced in May.

Since 2009, First Wind has issued 55 one-year, $3,000 scholarships and four, four-year, $20,000 scholarships for select students from the applicant pools.

The program is administered by Scholarship Management Services.