The Salvation Army invites students to apply for the Olga Ruth Stratton and Thomas E. Wolf Scholarship. This award was established to make it possible for students from low- to moderate-income households to attend higher education institutions to continue their academic study or to learn a trade specialty. Individual scholarships with a minimum award of $1,000, depending on need, circumstances, and available funds, will be made.

Applicants must be residents of Lancaster County. They must be candidates for graduation from their high school in the current year or be on track to receive a GED certificate in the current year. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.0 or greater and demonstrate a need for higher education financial assistance.

To access the application, visit http://tinyurl.com/ORS-TEW-scholarship2024.

Additionally, a high school transcript is required, and if the transcript does not include 12th grade, the student should submit copies of his or her 12th-grade report cards. Applicants must also submit at least two recommendation letters from people familiar with them, such as a teacher, principal, clergy member or employer; one recommendation must be academic in nature, and one must be community service-related. A one-page essay of 450 to 500 words is also required; the applicant should state his or her college and career goals and involvement in community service activities and initiatives, including any leadership roles held.

All application materials must be received by the end of the day on Sunday, March 3. Finalists will be invited to attend an interview on Monday, April 8.

Winners must be accepted by a degree-granting college or university or by an accredited institution of higher learning or training, such as a community college, trade school or nursing school, in order to receive the scholarship. Winners must enter their first year of postsecondary education in the current year.

Scholarship certificates will be presented at the Salvation Army Scholarship Dinner on Tuesday, April 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster, 2400 Willow Street Pike, Lancaster.

Scholarships will be awarded regardless of the applicant's race, religion, national origin, sex, age, or physical disability.