December 17, 2002

 SDE Seeks Applicants for 2003-2004 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

(Santa Fe, NM)-The New Mexico State Department of Education (SDE) is seeking applicants for the 2003-2004 Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. The federally funded program provides $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from either a public or private high school who plan to attend college. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years.

The students are selected from among applicants in New Mexico based on their academic achievement and American College Test (ACT)/Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT®) scores. Minimum eligibility requirements are a 3.5 grade point average and either a score of 27 on the ACT or 1220 on the SAT. The scholarships are awarded regionally throughout New Mexico to ensure equity of access to all students.

Applications are available at high school counselors' offices or by visiting the SDE's website at http://www.ped.state.nm.us/div/sipds/Title6/byrd.html. Applications must be received by the SDE's Title I & V-A Office by 5:00 p.m. on May 9, 2003.

Approximately 49 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in New Mexico in 2003. Students selected for the scholarship will be notified in writing no later than May 30, 2003.

For more information on the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, please contact Jenna M. Jaquez, assistant program coordinator, at (505) 827-6648.