Students within the New York-Penn League footprint could win a scholarship, as the circuit has announced that it will hand out more than $10,000 in funds. The announcement has been made in conjunction with the league’s 14 teams, including the State College Spikes.
Scholarships will be rewarded through the league’s charitable arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation.
Now in its eighth year, the NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two- or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact that the Spikes and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.
The 2016 NYPL Scholarship Contest will consist of two stages – a local round and a league round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to the Spikes, with one applicant chosen to advance to the league round to represent State College. The Spikes’ finalist will then join 13 other finalists, who will then be judged by league representatives. Three applicants will be selected to receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.
“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the eight consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, President of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”
High school seniors interested in entering the 2016 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from the Spikes online at State College Spikes.com or in person at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Interested seniors may also visit the league’s official website, New York-Penn League.com.
The deadline to submit applications to the Spikes is June 1, 2016. The Spikes’ finalist, as well as the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in mid-June.
The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.