PLadies Ancient Order of Hibernians Scholarships. Students in public, private and home schools are invited to apply for scholarships by writing an essay on one of the two following topics, according to their current grade: Grades 6-8, "Irish In The American Revolution," 500-1000 words; grades 9-12, "Irish Contributions to Pop Culture," 750-1,500 words. Scholarships range from $25 (Honorable Mention) to $1,000. All entries must be legibly handwritten or computer copy (double-spaced, one side of the page, font not to exceed 12 point, no disk or e-mail). Deadline: Jan 5. For specific writing guidelines and further information, call 410-876-1257.

> The Howard County Arts Council's 2008 Arts Scholarship. A minimum of $10,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to students entering college in the 2008-09 academic year. Scholarships must be used for enrollment into an accredited college program for a degree in the arts. Awards will be distributed in the minimum amount of $1,000 and may be used for tuition and fees only. Applications will be reviewed by the Arts Council's Scholarship Panel, which is composed of professionals working in a variety of artistic disciplines. Criteria for qualification includes artistic merit, demonstrated knowledge of an artistic discipline, commitment to a career in the arts and a demonstrated track record of success in an academic setting. Applicants must be legal residents of Howard County and will be notified of the committee's decision in March. Applications, which must be postmarked or hand-delivered by Jan. 11, are available at www.hocoarts.org. For more information, call 410-313-2787 or e-mail info@hocoarts.org.

> The Eta Zeta Sigma chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Scholarship. Howard County high school seniors are invited to apply for this scholarship by writing an essay for the Mwanamugimu essay contest, which is also a National Incentive of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. The intent is to educate youth about Africa. The winners of the scholarship will be announced at the Eta Zeta Sigma Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet March 8. For information, a list of research topics and guidelines, e-mail scholarship chairwoman Cynthera McNeill at EZS_scholarship@yahoo.com. Completed essays may be mailed to Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Eta Zeta Sigma Graduate Chapter, Attn: Scholarship Essay Contest, P.O. Box 1485, Ellicott City, MD 21041. Deadline: Feb. 8.

PThe Columbia Association Spirit of Columbia Scholarship. This award is given each year to Columbia high school seniors who have shown extraordinary dedication to performing community service. This year, up to six $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who live on CA-assessed property or who have a parent who works full-time on CA-assessed property, have a minimum C grade-average and have a demonstrated history of voluntary service to the Columbia community. Scholarship winners will be honored at an upcoming reception. Applications are available at local high schools, Columbia's community centers and the Columbia Association headquarters or by going to www.columbiaassociation.org, in the Teens and Tots section. Applications are due March 1. For more information, call 410-715-3175.

> National Science Foundation Scholarships. Howard Community College has been awarded a $549,000 grant to create a National Science Foundation program that will provide scholarships for full-time, financially eligible students majoring in the physical sciences, engineering, computer science, environmental science, biotechnology, bioinformatics or mathematics. This program will prepare students for a transfer to four-year institutions. Selection criteria includes grades, a student essay and letters of recommendation. Applications are due March 1. For more information, call Dan Friedman, 410-772-4610.

> The Howard County General Hospital Rising Business Star Scholarship and the Earl H. Saunders Entrepreneurial Scholarship. $1,000 scholarships will recognize a Howard County public high school senior who is a member of a minority, female and/or a person with a disability who has demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by starting a small business, assisting an existing business in a significant way or by developing a creation or invention targeted toward businesses. For more information and to download scholarship applications, go to www.hceda.org/CBTD/scholarships.aspx. Applications are due March 7. Recipients will be announced April 22 at the 14th Annual CBED Awards Program and Breakfast Gala.

> Constellation Energy Scholarship. The Howard Community College Educational Foundation has announced the creation of a scholarship for HCC students in the engineering honors learning community who do not qualify for Pell grants. The students will be chosen by the Science/Technology Division chairman, who will award $5,000 scholarships to the recipients. For eligibility requirements, call Executive Director Missy Mattey, 410-772-4450 or e-mail mmattey@howardcc.edu.

> Kennedy Scholarship Endowment. The Howard Community College Educational Foundation announces the creation of a new endowment, created by the Horizon Foundation in honor of Padraic Kennedy for his 35 years of outstanding service to the community. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a health-related curriculum, hold a minimum 2.0 GPA and have financial need. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded at the start of the 2008-09 academic year. For eligibility requirements, call Executive Director Missy Mattey, 410-772-4450 or e-mail mmattey@howardcc.edu.

> Loyola College Scholarships. The National Science Foundation has awarded $600,000 to Loyola College to fund scholarships for up to 14 members of the class of 2012 who plan to major in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering sciences, mathematical sciences or physics. Each student will be awarded $10,000 per year for four years. Applicants will be evaluated on academic promise and financial need. Priority will be given to minority and Baltimore students. Recipients must declare a major in an eligible discipline by the end of their first year and maintain a 3.0 average. For more information, go to www.loyola.edu/STEMscholarships.