Broad scholarship applications due

Today is the deadline for Brownsville students who will graduate in 2009 to apply for a Broad Prize scholarship, an award of up to $20,000 that for some could mean the difference between going to college and not.

Potentially, any of 2,366 seniors at the Brownsville Independent School District's six high schools, plus an undetermined number of graduating juniors, are eligible.

BISD won the scholarships when the district was awarded the 2008 Broad Prize for Urban Education, widely considered the nation's top education prize.

Applicants must have a scholastic average of at least 80, demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and show improvement academically from ninth grade to the present.

Graduating juniors must attach an official letter of intent for three-year graduation to their initial application. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. legal permanent residents.

The Scholarship and Recognition Program of the Educational Testing Service is administering the scholarships. The Broad Foundation contracted ETS to develop the scholarships when it established the Broad Prize in 2002. ETS also is contracted by the College Board to design, develop and administer the SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) examinations.

ETS officials say that between 50 and 65 scholarships will be available to Brownsville students, depending on the degrees applicants pursue. The scholarships are for $5,000 per year at a four-year university, for a total of $20,000; and $2,500 per year at technical or two-year college for the first two years, and $5,000 for the next two years, if the student pursues a bachelor's degree after the first two years.

The scholarships are awarded in two phases. The initial application is available online at www.broadprize.org or from counselors at each high school. Applications need to be submitted to counselors by Monday to ensure proper document review and compliance with deadlines and mailing instructions, BISD officials said.

ETS officials say between 200 and 250 applicants will be chosen for the second round, which includes submission of a transcript and letters of recommendation. Winners will be announced in May 2009.