Big Y scholarships

Big Y applications for local college students are

now available in the area

SPRINGFIELD Applications are now available for more than 300 Big Y scholarships to be awarded in the Spring 2007 to students who are the most academically outstanding applicants, regardless of financial need. A total of over $200,000 worth of college scholarships will be awarded for the 2007/2008 academic year. Scholarship applications are available at all Big Y locations, including Table & Vine and Town & Country Liquors or at high school guidance offices of schools within Big Y's market area. Completed applications must be submitted by February 1, 2007.

Big Y's Scholarship Program reflects their corporate commitment to education. With over 2300 students applying each year, Big Y's scholarship program is considered one of the most competitive in New England. Since its inception in 1981, Big Y has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 area students.

Awards are given to the most academically outstanding High School, Community College, Undergraduate, Graduate and Non-Traditional students in the Big Y market area. A certain number of these awards are also designated for Big Y employees and their dependents, and also the sub-category dependents of Police Officers and Firefighters. To be eligible, a student's permanent residence or school must be located within Western and Central Massachusetts or the state of Connecticut.

In addition to its Scholarship Program, Big Y's educational commitments include: "Homework Helpline", a toll-free tutoring service staffed by qualified teachers to guide parents and students through homework questions; the D'Amour Library at Western New England College; D'Amour Hall for Business Communication and Technology at Bay Path College; school tour programs to students of all ages which are free tours of the grocery store that focus on good nutrition and relate shopping skills to the importance of reading, math, and other school disciplines; and Education Express, a point-based program which has allowed area schools to earn more than $10.5 million in educational equipment such as computers, software, textbooks, sporting goods, and musical instruments.