Schools & Youth - StatesmanJournal.com: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Offering Minority Scholarships

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is seeking nominations for its scholarship program aimed at low-income minority students.

Nominees are eligible if they:

# Will be attending an accredited U.S. college as a full-time student in the fall of 2005.

# Are African-American, American Indian/Alaska native, Asian-Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American students.

# Are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident or national of the United States.

# Have a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.3 at the time of nomination.

# Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities.

# Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria.

The deadline for submission of nomination materials is Jan. 14.

Principals, teachers, guidance counselors and other professional educators acting in their personal capacity are invited to nominate students.

Relatives may not serve as nominators.

For information, go to www.gmsp.org or call (877) 690-4677.