Burns announces 2013 House Scholarship Program

HARRISBURG, Jan. 16 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria/Somerset, said that students can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program.

The program provides four-year scholarships to two high school seniors per year. Each award consists of the value of one semester of tuition at the State System of Higher Education for four years.

"I encourage local students to apply for this scholarship," Burns said. "Many families struggle to pay for college. This scholarship would be a huge help to a student in need of financial assistance."

Burns noted that Brea Neri, a graduate of Windber High School, was awarded one of the two scholarships offered through the program in 2011.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• Graduating high school senior;

• Legal resident of Pennsylvania;

• Attendance at a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student;

• Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 cumulative high school GPA);

• Commitment to community and leadership qualities;

• Extracurricular activities;

• Financial need.

The application for this program is available online at www.tfec.org. In addition to the application, students must also submit other scholarship information, their resume, community and leadership skills, FAFSA Student Aid Report, a personal essay, three personal reference letters, their official transcript, a guidance counselor form and a $10 processing fee.

All of these materials must be received by March 1.

Materials may be sent to: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, PA House of Representatives Scholarship, Attn: Allison Moesta, Program Associate for Educational Enhancement, 200 N. 3rd St., 8th Floor, P.O. Box 678, Harrisburg, PA 17108-0678.

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