40 hot scholarships: here's our roundup of 40 diverse scholarship programs. If you take the time to write the essays and fill out applications, you could lasso some serious college dollars

Careers and Colleges, Nov-Dec, 2002 by Jami Dittus, Zinnia Faruque, Paul Jannace

SCOOP: If you consider yourself to be a bright student with a way with words, the National Academy of American Scholars' Easley National Scholarship awards may be for you. The NAAS provides a range of purely merit-based awards, and this year it has eliminated its SAT/ACT score requirement! While your test score won't factor in to the competition (and neither will your financial need), academic excellence, character, activities, a 400-word essay, and recommendations will. Also, visit the Web site and read the online Scholarship Watch newsletter.

$$$: $2,000 to $10,000 four-year awards

WHO: Seniors with a C average or higher

DEADLINE: February 1, 2003

INFO: Download application online, or send a #10 SASE and $2 to: NAAS do Merit Committee, 1249 Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar, CA 91765; www.naas.org

CHAIRSCHOLARS FOUNDATION

SCOOP: The ChairScholars Foundation awards funding to students who are physically challenged (particularly those who are wheelchair-bound.) Candidates must show financial need, have at least a B average, participate in community service, and write a 300- to 500-word essay noting how they became physically challenged and how this has affected them and their families.

$$$: $5,000 per year, $20,000 max

WHO: Seniors and college freshmen

DEADLINE: March 1, 2003

INFO: ChairScholars, 16101 Carencia Lane, Odessa, FL 33556-3278; (813) 920-2737;

www.chairscholars.org

EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION

SCOOP: The Educational Communications Scholarship Foundation (ECSF) is awarding money to "well-rounded" students. Selection is based on grades, test scores, work experience, leadership qualities, and essay evaluation. There is some consideration for financial need as well. Request applications by March 15, 2003.

$$$: $1,000

WHO: High school and college students

DEADLINE: May 31, 2003

INFO: ECSF, 721 North McKinley Rd., Lake Forest, IL 60045; school @ecsf.org; www.ecsf.org

COLLEGENET

SCOOP: CollegeNet, the company that offers technological solutions for college administrators, wants to give you some money. If you're planning to enroll at one of CollegeNet.com's hundreds of member schools, you may be eligible to win. For more details on the competition and to read some winning entries from previous years, check out the Web site.

$$$: $10,000

WHO: Seniors

DEADLINE: March 31, 2003

INFO: (503) 973-5200; www.collegenet.com

TWO/TEN INTER NATIONAL FOOTWEAR FOUNDATION

SCOOP: Keep your head up--those summers spent slaving over other people's feet have not been in vain. The world's largest footwear association feels your pain. Founded at 210 Lincoln Street in Boston's historic shoe district, the Two/Ten International Footwear Foundation wants to kick some cash your way if you're a student employed a minimum of 500 hours in the footwear, leather, or allied industries, or if you have a parent employed a minimum of one year in any of these industries. Applicants must display both academic ability and financial need to receive a scholarship. Students must request and complete an eligibility postcard before receiving an application. $$$: 200 to 225 awards of $200 to $2,000