Buzzz In Brief: Scholarship opportunities, Cowboy Museum

County Community Foundation awards

The Stanislaus Community Foundation Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to Stanislaus County residents pursuing studies at an accredited college, university or vocational college through 55 scholarships. These scholarships have been established by donors, including individuals, families and organizations from our community.

The 2013 scholarship period began Monday and closes April 12.

Through Stanislaus Community Foundation's online application system, eligible applicants are matched to scholarship funds, providing a central application process to simplify access for students seeking financial aid. Students qualify if they:

• Are a Stanislaus County resident

• Plan to or currently attend an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational college

• Plan to be a full-time student

• Have an acceptable academic record, maintaining a B average or above during senior year and the year the scholarship is made available

Scholarship recipients are selected on a competitive basis, considering multiple factors. Some scholarship funds target students with specific areas of interest to the scholarship donor, including high school attended, cultural background and academic or career focus.

Interested students can apply online by visiting http://stanislauscf.org. Only one online application form is necessary to apply for scholarships. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria for each award.

Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $4,000. Scholarships awarded in 2011 totaled almost $41,000.

Kohl's scholarships

Kohl's Cares is accepting nominations for its 2013 scholarship program for volunteers ages 6-18 through March 15. Awards range from $50 Kohl's gift cards to $10,000 scholarships. Nominators, who must be 21 years old, may submit names of young volunteers making a difference at www.kohlskids.com.

Cowboy Museum

The Oakdale Cowboy Museum will award four $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Stanislaus County. One of those four scholarships will go to a graduating senior whose family is a member of the Oakdale Cowboy Museum.

A criterion for application is enrollment in a four- or two-year college program. Individuals also need to be active in rodeo or production agriculture of horses or cattle. This is a merit scholarship and is not based on financial need.

In addition, a scholarship fund in memory of Lowell C. Doc Dorius, D.V.M., will also be awarded. Doc had a passion for his profession and specialized in treatment of beef cattle and herd management.

A merit memorial scholarship was established through the Oakdale Cowboy Museum by friends and family after his death in July 2010.

A scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a high school senior from the Oakdale area. The applicant must be actively involved in or aspire to be involved in production agriculture, such as animal nutrition, animal health, livestock and-or ranch management with a focus in the cattle industry.

Scholarship applications are available through school counseling offices, at www.oakdalecowboy museum.org, or picked up at 355 E. F St. in Oakdale. All applications must be received by Feb. 28.