While the fall semester is well under way, it’s not too soon to think about taking courses this spring. In fact, registration for spring semester begins Nov. 17, with classes starting Jan. 12.

And the application deadline for local scholarships and grants is Nov. 7.

Through the generosity of various individuals and organizations in the community, these awards are available to recognize outstanding performance and to help students “Get Ahead.”

Following are descriptions of some of the awards available for spring semester.

Career Preparation Grants

Career Preparation Grants in the amount of $500 are open to students residing in Franklin, Southampton or Isle of Wight. Criteria for applying include new or returning student with interest in career/job preparation (a returning student is one who has not attended college since Fall 2002); three letters of recommendation; and enrollment in at least six semester hours of an associate or Applied Science degree or certificate program at PDCCC for the preceding fall semester.

Estelle M. Baker Memorial Scholarship

This $500 scholarship was established by the family of the former proprietor of Baker’s Home Inc. Criteria include high school diploma or GED; enrollment in a degree program at the Franklin Campus; resident of Franklin or Southampton; financial need; two letters of recommendation (no relatives); and, preferably, a single parent.

Perry R. Adams Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Perry R. Adams, the founding president of Paul D. Camp Community College. In his lifetime, Dr. Adams devoted 55 years to education. His outstanding career included teaching at all levels (kindergarten through university) and serving as vice chancellor for the Virginia Community College System. The criteria for this $250 award include high school graduate; enrollment in a certificate or degree program at PDCCC; a minimal 2.5 GPA; and demonstrated need.

Franklin Woman’s Club Scholarship

This $300 scholarship is available to any person who would like to enroll for college work after having been out of school or college for at least three years. Criteria include high school diploma or GED; financial need; two letters of reference; and a short paragraph explaining how this award would be beneficial.

Pamela Michelle O’Quin American

Sign Language Scholarship

Founded in loving memory of Pamela Michelle O’Quin by her parents, Ted and Loetta, and her sister, Jillian Overby, this new scholarship assists students who are interested in pursuing college-level courses in American Sign Language, or ASL. Pamela was born deaf and through her actions brought many people to love the art of ASL, the native language of the deaf in America.

This scholarship was established in hopes that Pamela’s love for her language can be instilled in others through college studies.

Students who are interested in working with the deaf and hard-of-hearing or feel that their desired working environment could possibly include deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers are highly encouraged to apply. Criteria for the $250 scholarship include a minimal 3.0 GPA; enrollment in at least 6 credits; enrollment in a degree program; and a one-paragraph essay stating the reasons why this scholarship could assist you in obtaining your educational goals. Students who have taken an ASL class or plan to take an ASL class are preferred.

Susan E. Terry Scholarship

for Returning Students

Sponsored by the Franklin Jr. Woman’s Club, this scholarship was established in 1983 in memory of Susan E. Terry, a dedicated member of the Franklin Jr. Woman’s Club. Criteria for the $250 award include 21 years of age or older; resident of Franklin or adjacent counties; enrollment in one or more courses at PDCCC; three letters of reference; and an essay explaining your need for this scholarship, the reason for your decision to continue your education, and your future plans.

For information on other scholarships available for spring semester and other options at PDCCC, call 569-6700 or visit the Web site at www.pdc.edu.