An area nonprofit group is looking to give some financial aid to current and future college students.
The Columbia County Foundation again is offering college scholarships. The scholarships are based on the needs of the applicants, foundation vice president Michel Young said.
"There is no minimum or maximum amount," she said. "We just look at the applicants and what the situation is."
The scholarships can be used to attend two-year or four-year colleges or technical schools. Candidates must maintain a C average, and the age limit is 23.
"It's mostly going to be interesting to upcoming high school graduates, (but) for somebody who is 20 (and) is in school or thinking of going back to school, (that person) could be interested as well," Young said.
Applications are available at Columbia County public high schools; at the foundation-run Helping Hands Thrift Store, 6347 Columbia Road, Appling; or can be requested by e-mailing ccfcscholarship@gmail.com.
The application deadline is June 1.
Each application is reviewed by a scholarship committee. Selected applicants are interviewed by the committee. There is no set limit on how many scholarships the foundation will award.
"Last year, we gave out five," Young said. "I think that was the most we've given out in several years."
In addition to scholarships, the foundation provides monetary assistance to students in need of summer school or online tutoring, Young said. The group also provides clothing assistance through its thrift store to those in need.
"Our basic function is to provide services to help children reach their potential," Young said. "For whatever reason, they might not be able to get there on their own."
For information on the foundation or the scholarship program, call (706) 541-2849 or e-mail ccfc@comcast.net.
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