A recent column described scholarships available for fall semester at Paul D. Camp Community College that are earmarked for graduating high school students. Today’s column features a sample of Fall 2009 general scholarships, which are geared to all students meeting the criteria for eligibility.

Bertella C. Westbrook Memorial Scholarship for Nursing Students

This $750 annual scholarship (offered both fall and spring semesters) was established in memory of Bertella C. Westbrook, registered nurse, who was a staunch advocate of education and the nursing profession. Criteria for selection includes a letter of acceptance into the RN program at PDCCC, residency in the college’s service area (Franklin, Isle of Wight, Southampton Suffolk), three letters of recommendation (referencing character, potential for leadership in school activities, community work and financial need) and a short essay on choosing the nursing profession.

Other fall scholarships are available for students enrolled in PDCCC’s nursing program. They include the Debbie Zuber Memorial Scholarship, the Mary Marshall Scholarship, the Virginia League for Nursing Scholarship and the Suffolk Ruritan Mona Eby Driver Memorial Nursing Scholarship. The Connie Patterson Memorial Nursing Scholarship is offered in the spring. For information on applying for these select scholarships, call Dr. Candace Rogers, head of the nursing program, at 569-6731.

Dean Nancy Sandberg Scholarship

Criteria for this $500 scholarship include being 25 or older; high school diploma or GED; enrollment in a certificate or degree program at PDCCC; two letters of reference; and a 300- to 500-word essay explaining why you consider attending PDCCC to be a “second chance” at education and why you have financial need.

Perry W. Barnett Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established by his dear friend, Nancy Pindur, and several family members, colleagues and longtime friends, this memorial scholarship honors Perry W. Barnett, welding instructor at PDCCC from 2004-07. This larger-than-life “welding guy” (A.K.A. “D-Max” by his students) found special purpose and meaning in life through his students, for whom he wished to instill more than welding skills. This scholarship was endowed so that Perry’s wishes would continue in his memory.

The $500 scholarship must be used for courses at the PDCCC, and applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria: high school students taking dual credit welding courses at PDCCC; other students enrolled in the Welding Program at PDCCC; or worthy/needy students.

Shirley N. Barnes Scholarship

Established by former PDCCC President Dr. Edwin Barnes, to honor his wife, Shirley, selection criteria for this $250 scholarship includes financial need and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Southside Chapter of International Association of Administrative

Professionals

Criteria for this $250 scholarship includes a 2.5 GPA or high school diploma or GED; enrollment in at least six hours in a certificate or degree program in Administrative Systems Technology or a business-related program; resident of Franklin, Suffolk, Smithfield or surrounding counties in the PDCCC service region; two letters of recommendation; and an essay explaining how this award would be beneficial to you (to include reasons for decision to continue/advance your education and your future plans).

The Jim Lassiter PDCCC Faculty

Association Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded fall semester and renewable for spring semester. It pays tuition cost for six credit hours. Criteria for selection include a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher and maintaining a 3.25 GPA to continue the scholarship an additional semester and a 400- to 500-word essay explaining what changes in education you foresee in the first 10 to 20 years of the new millennium.

Financial Aid

Many students qualify for federal financial aid, which fully pays for books and tuition. The deadline for filing for fall semester is June 1. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov, or call 569-6715 for more details.

For details on other fall scholarships, visit the college Web site. The deadline for fall general scholarship applications is June 26, and registration for fall classes is May 4 through Aug. 14. Fall semester begins on Aug. 19.

For more information on options available at PDCCC, call 569-6700, or visit our Web site at www.pdc.edu.