The Fraser River Valley Lions Club is currently accepting applications for 12 scholarships paying out over $32,000 to seniors at Middle Park and East Grand High Schools as well as local early childhood education professionals.  

This year the Lions program includes a variety of scholarships for students pursuing technical training, construction skills, a community college degree, a 4-year degree and early childhood education training.   At Middle Park High School, 2 scholarships of $2,000 each are available to students enrolling in technical or trade school programs or a community college, a $3,000 scholarship to a student enrolling in a construction trades training program or apprenticing with a local building contractor (offered in memory of local builder Bud Crawford), 3 scholarships of $4,000 each for students enrolling in a bachelors degree program at a college or university, a $1,000 scholarship for a student with an outstanding community service record (offered in memory of Mary Ann Radkowski), and a $1,000 scholarship for a student pursuing a degree in science or technology (offered in memory of Barbara Nissen).

At West Grand High School, the Lions are offering 2 scholarships of $1,000 each to students enrolling in technical or trade school programs or a community college and a $2,000 scholarship for a student enrolling in a bachelors degree program at a college or university.  West Grand seniors are also eligible to apply for the Bud Crawford Construction Trades scholarship.

For the second year, the Lions Club is offering a $7,100 scholarship in support of early childhood educators in Grand County.  This scholarship pays out over 3 years and supports tuition costs as well as providing retention bonuses for educators working in early childhood schools in Grand County.  This scholarship is open to high school seniors at both county high schools who want to train and work in this important field as well as adults already working in a local early childhood facility.

Applications for these scholarships are available from high school counselors at Middle Park and West Grand High Schools.  Applications for the Early Childhood Educator scholarship can also be obtained from Grand Beginnings and at all county early childhood education centers.   Applications will be accepted through March 29, 2021 and winners will be announced in May.

According to Bob Boynton, Chairperson of the Lions Scholarship Committee, 2021 marks the 37th consecutive year that the Fraser River Valley Lions Club and its Lions Club Foundation are funding college scholarships for local students.  “This scholarship program is the longest running commitment of the local Lions Club and we are so proud to support the youth of our community. Since 1984 the Lions have provided scholarships totaling over $350,000 in support of local students.” 

For more information on these scholarships, go to the Lions website at www.fraservalleylions.org