Scholarship program to benefit first-time students in on-campus or online universities

Scholarship program to benefit first-time students in on-campus or online universities

Caruso Affiliates has announced that it will offer its second annual scholarship program for students enrolling in classroom-based or online schools for the first time.

The California-based real estate firm has opened the application process for its 2010 Spirit of American Youth Scholarship program. Two high school seniors will receive a letter and certificate detailing their award as well as a Spirit of American Youth Scholar jacket and $10,000 to put toward their first year of tuition.

Through the awards, the company aims to recognize "bright, accomplished and talented young people" by "helping them achieve their dreams through higher education," said Rick J. Caruso, CEO of Caruso Affiliates.

A statue titled The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves, which memorializes the soldiers who fought in World War II, served as inspiration for the scholarships.

To apply, students must be seniors at a high school in the San Fernando or San Gabriel Valleys and plan to enroll in college for the first time in the fall of next year.

Scholarship winners will be announced on May 17 of next year and may use their awards for tuition at any American accredited degree program, including those offered by online colleges.