Applicants now being accepted for George Washington Carver 2009 Scholarship

Saturday, March 21, 2009

The Carver Birthplace Association, in conjunction with the George Washington Carver National Monument, has announced the eighth annual George Washington Carver Scholarship.

The scholarship is a one-time award in the amount of $500 for the 2009-'10 academic year. It will be awarded to a local graduating high school senior, or local home school student receiving a GED certificate. Criteria for determining the award recipient will include academic achievement, community involvement and need. Students should plan to attend Iowa State University, Tuskegee University, Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, or an accredited college within a 75-mile radius of Diamond, Mo., site of the George Washington Carver National Monument. Chosen area of study must include one of the following: Science, Art, Agriculture, Music, Education, or Bible.

Scholarship applications may be obtained from the Visitor Center at the George Washington Carver National Monument located at 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, Missouri, or from local high school guidance counselors. Applications must be submitted to the park by Monday, April 20. For more information, contact Paxton Williams, outreach director, at (417) 325-4151.

Native son of Missouri, George Washington Carver triumphed over many obstacles to receive a Masters Degree in Agriculture from Iowa Agricultural College. As an educator at the Tuskegee Institute he encouraged his students to "...strive for your highest goal."

George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The park is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri on Hwy V, then south 1/4 mile on Carver Road. For more information, please call the park at (417) 325-4151 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.