Rutherford: General Assembly Scholarship applications available

-These scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate level students who wish to attend one of our state universities,- said Rutherford. -I encourage any interested student or prospective student to apply.-

Under Illinois law, each state legislator may award eight scholarships per academic year, 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. This year, for two of the scholarships, preference will be given to active reservists, current military personnel, veterans, or the immediate family of someone in these categories.

Interested high school seniors, current college students, and those who plan to attend college next year may apply. To qualify, applicants must live within the 53rd Senate District, which includes all or parts of Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, LaSalle, Livingston, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Woodford counties.

Applicants must be admitted to one of Illinois- public universities for the 2005-2006 school year to utilize the scholarship.

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