Buzzz Briefs: Science challenge, aid and more

Burn Notice Science Challenge

High school students with an adult adviser can team up as spies on the run to solve a Burn Notice Science Challenge put on by USA Network. In the first round, running until Feb. 15, students invent a creation to solve the challenge scenario and submit a 1,500-word essay describing it and the scientific principles that would make it work. For more, visit www.usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice/science.

Aid for UC Merced transfers

Students transferring to the University of California at Merced from California community colleges can apply for financial support thanks to a new endowed scholarship fund from the Bernard Osher Foundation. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 for up to 10 transfer students who show the greatest potential to fulfill their educational goals at UC Merced. Selection of scholarship recipients will be coordinated by UC Merced's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, and selections will be made each summer for the upcoming academic year. For more, visit http://financialaid.ucmerced.edu.

Tweet for speech, scholarship

Twitter users can apply for scholarships through the Free to Tweet competition Dec. 1 through Dec. 15, which is Bill of Rights Day. Applicants should tweet their support for the First Amendment with the hash tag #FreeToTweet. Judging criteria and complete rules can be found at http://FreeToTweet.org. Updates on the event can be followed on Twitter at @FreeToTweet2012

Legacy project seeks essays

Interview a grandparent or friend about their life experiences to enter the Legacy Project's national Listen to a Life Essay Contest and get a chance to win a Lenovo ThinkCentre computer. The annual contest runs in partnership with Generations United in Washington, D.C. Applications deadline is March 22. The Legacy Project offers schools and families free online resources for building closer connections across generations. For more, visit www. legacyproject.org/pressroom/newsrelltal.html.

DuPont challenging students

The DuPont Challenge asks middle and high school students to address global issues through original 700 to 1,000 word science essays on one of four topics: "Together, We Can Feed the World"; Together, We Can Build a Secure Energy Future'; "Together, We can Protect People and the Environment"; and "Together, We Can Be Innovative Anywhere." The deadline is Jan. 31. For more, visit http://thechallenge.dupont.com.

ADHD scholarships available

Biopharmaceutical company Shire offers an ADHD scholarship program for individuals in the United States diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder pursuing higher education at a college, vocational or technical school. The scholarship includes a $2,000 monetary award and a prepaid year of ADHD coaching services from the Edge Foundation to assist with the transition to higher education. For more information and applications, visit www.ShireADHDscholarship.com.

Jewish teen service awards

The Helen Diller Family Foundation is seeking nominations for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards, awarded to Jewish teens whose volunteer service projects demonstrate a determined commitment to make the world a better place. The deadline is Jan. 6. For more, visit www.jewishfed.org/teenawards/process.

Entrepreneurial opportunities

The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation is accepting applications through Dec. 17 for the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards, merit- based scholarships for graduating seniors who have established a business of their own. For more, visit www.nfib.com/yef.