“These scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for any student who wishes to attend one of our state universities,” said Rutherford. “I encourage anyone who is interested to apply.”

Under Illinois law, each state legislator may award eight one year scholarships per academic year. Senator Rutherford awards four to the University of Illinois and four to other state universities. The scholarships cover the cost of tuition for one full academic year.

Rutherford has established a Scholarship Advisory Committee of educators throughout the 53rd District to review the applications and select the scholarship recipients. In addition to the application and letters of recommendation, the committee will consider activity in public and civic affairs and the relative financial need among the applicants.

To qualify, applicants must also be admitted to one of Illinois’ public universities for the 2010-2011 school year, and live within the 53rd Senate District, which includes all or parts of Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, McLean, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Woodford counties.

Students who have previously applied but did not receive a scholarship are encouraged to reapply. Previous scholarship winners are not eligible for future scholarships from Senator Rutherford.

Applications and instructions should be printed from Senator Rutherford’s website: www.DanRutherford.com. Completed applications, along with letters of recommendation, must be returned to the Senator’s office no later than January 15, 2010. Notification of scholarship recipients will be made during April of 2010.