State Fair volunteer group offers scholarships

SACRAMENTO — In periods of economic uncertainty it is often education programs, scholarships and grants for students that dry up, leaving some of the most promising students without support to cover college expenses. In anticipation of that trend, the Friends of the California State Fair will continue its scholarship program for the 2009-2010 academic year. California college students and graduating high school students are eligible and must submit an application by Friday, March 20.

This year, 24 scholarships will be awarded in the following areas: arts, general studies, agriculture, international studies, teaching credential programs, fair management, business, sports management, history, viticulture, enology and culinary.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of personal commitment, goals established for their chosen field, leadership potential and civic accomplishments. All applicants are also eligible for the Ironstone Concours d’Elegance $5,000 outstanding candidate scholarship.

The Friends of the Fair Scholarship Program was initiated in 1993 and is a collaborative effort of the Friends of the California State Fair, the California Exposition & State Fair and the California State Fair Agricultural Advisory Council.

Scholarship applications can be found online at http://www.bigfun.org. Download the application at http://www.bigfun.org/pdfs/competitions/scholarship_app.pdf.