Mayor's Scholarship Opens for Bonneville Students

Aaliyah Garcia
Staff Writer
  Bonneville students have until February 4 to apply for the Mayor's Scholarship, which awards between $250-$2,500 with no minimum GPA required. The students must obtain a copy of the packet in the college advisors offices. The packet includes a short essay that needs to be written, as well as a letter of recommendation. 
  The mayor scholarship started in 2006 when Idaho Falls’ mayor, Jared Fuhriman, wanted to provide opportunities for local students. Jared Taylor, a college advisor at BHS, states, “students should participate in it because the pool is small, but there are a lot of awards… You’re more likely to get it because there are so many rewards.” 
Scholarship winners are chosen by a board of advisors who review student essays. Taylor said the board looks for diversity, focusing on “what sets you apart from other students that want this scholarship.” The scholarship amount varies by grade level. Students in grades 9–11 typically receive about $250, while seniors can earn between $1,500 and $2,500, with larger amounts available to those who have won the scholarship in the past. The funds can be used towards most educational costs associated with Idaho colleges and universities. Taylor explains an example where a winner in the past wanted to do photography classes in Utah, but she wanted to buy a camera and take a pre-requisate class in Idaho. He explained how the student used her money here in the state even though she was going to school in Utah. If a student chooses not to use the money given to them, it will stay in the funds for the next winners to receive. 
  Taylor’s advice to students is, “Set yourself apart from the normal.” Students can do this by serving outside your normal school and job schedule. For the letter of recommendation he shares, “choose an adult that knows you well outside your family unit… Make sure it's a boss, councilor, a teacher, someone that can vouch for your character, and how hard you work.” With that being said, apply for the Mayor’s Scholarship next year as it can open doors, and help fund for education, and your future.

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