Berkshire Bank offers scholarship

Date: 1/30/2013

PITTSFIELD – The Berkshire Bank Foundation has launched its scholarship program for high school seniors in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and southern Vermont.

The program, which has been expanded from last year, will award $45,000 in total scholarship dollars to students who have exemplified community service through their volunteer efforts, have been successful academically and have a demonstrated financial need.

Additionally, students must attend a school that is located in a community with a Berkshire Bank office or a school in a community served by a Berkshire Bank office.

"At Berkshire Bank we believe that one of life's most exciting moments is going off to college and we want to do our part to make college more affordable for students in need," Berkshire Bank Foundation executive director Peter J. Lafayette said. "This year we've expanded our scholarship program and will award more money and scholarships than ever before to help local students."

Through the program, 30 $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college in the fall. Applications will be evaluated based on demonstrated volunteerism in the community and through participation in extracurricular school activities. In addition, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and a financial need (total family income under $75,000).

Students must apply through their school by March 27 and have the endorsement of their school guidance office.

An independent panel of bank employee volunteers will review all applications and select this year's winners.

Scholarships will be awarded in the regions where Berkshire Bank branches are located, with eight to be awarded in Berkshire County, nine in the Pioneer Valley, Greater Hartford Connecticut, and Central/Eastern, Massachusetts areas, nine in New York State, and four in southern Vermont.

Applications can be downloaded on the Bank's website at www.berkshirebank.com/scholarships.

To be considered, all applications must be received in the Foundation's Pittsfield office by March 27 at 4 p.m.