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Application materials are available online at www.gicf.org. Ad Info The foundation manages 60 scholarship funds that provide financial support to traditional and nontraditional students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees based on academic achievement, community volunteerism, extracurricular activities, financial need and personal commitment to further their education. Scholarship funds are established by community donors who specify student eligibility, geographic area, college major and qualified academic institutions.

"Grand Island Community Foundation has the unique ability to offer scholarships available to anyone in the community interested in furthering their education at a university, college, community college or trade school," Chief Executive Officer Tammy Morris said.

One new scholarship this year is the Habitat for Humanity Scholarship Fund. This scholarship focuses on graduating seniors and nontraditional students who reside in a Habitat home. "Last year, we took an important step in education advocacy by establishing a scholarship for traditional students entering or in college," said Dana Jelinek, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. "However, this scholarship also includes parents who want to improve their work skills by furthering their education."

For the first time this year, the Henry and Maria Ahrens Scholarship and the Hall County Medical Society Scholarship will be offered as part of the online process at the Community Foundation. The Ahrens scholarship, established almost 20 years ago; and the Hall County Medical Society Scholarship, established 10 years ago, both focus specifically on students pursuing careers as a physician, dentist, pharmacist, nurse or medical technician. Preference for these two scholarships is given to applicants entering into a graduate field of study.

The Community Foundation even offers scholarships for grade school and junior high students. The William Fowles Memorial Fund offers scholarship to boys and girls, ages 7 to 17, who want to learn the game of golf. These scholarships help youth who have an interest in golf but lack the resources to learn how to play. Eight scholarships are offered every summer for youth to participate in junior golf programs. The Bob McFarland Fund was established to support youth baseball in Grand Island. This fund provides scholarships for Little League baseball registration fees and uniform expenses for qualifying youth.

The Community Foundation is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations and supports Grand Island, Hall County and surrounding communities in Central Nebraska. Scholarship applications must be submitted online and are available at www.gicf.org/scholarships. Deadline is Feb. 19. Any youth interested in the McFarland or Fowles scholarships should contact the Grand Island Community Foundation office at 1811 W. Second St., Suite 480. For more information, visit www.gicf.org or call 381-7767.