Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R, C-Merrick) announced that the "Leaders of Tomorrow" scholarship program is now accepting applications. The program, funded through the New York Lottery, will award a scholarship to one student from every public and non-public high school that applies.

McDonough noted that this is the fifth year of the scholarship program and, that to date, the New York Lottery has awarded 4,562 scholarships to students who attend the more than 1,330 eligible schools throughout the state.

"The Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship program provides opportunities for deserving students to attend college," said Assemblyman McDonough. "This program helps demonstrate the value of education, and I encourage all eligible high school students to apply."

The $4,000 scholarship will be paid to the student over a four-year period in annual increments of $1,000.

Students should contact their guidance counselor or appropriate school administrator for applications. The individual schools will then use the following criteria to select two students who will be considered by a statewide selection committee:

The student:

• Expects to graduate in 2004.
• Maintains at least a B average, based on seven semesters of high school, and includes a transcript.
• Participates in extracurricular and community activities.
• Demonstrates leadership skills.
• Plans to attend a New York state accredited college, university, trade school or community college.

To maintain the scholarship, students must:

• Attend a New York state accredited college, university, trade school or community college.
• Maintain full-time student status.
• Maintain at least a B cumulative average, as determined by the school.
• Not accept a full cost-of-attendance scholarship from another source.
• Provide the program administrator with proper transcripts to confirm eligibility.
• Complete studies within five years of the high school graduation date.

Applications from participating high schools must be postmarked by Friday, March 19, 2004. Those with questions about the Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship should contact the Capital Area School Development Association at (518) 525-2788/89, fax (518) 525-2797, or via e-mail: CASDALOT@uamail.albany.edu.