Applications are now being accepted by the Tryon-based Eunice Waymon-Nina Simone Memorial Project (www.ninasimoneproject.org). Two Nina Simone scholarship awards will be made this year: one for pre-college applicants (rising 6th thru 11th graders) and one for college applicants (rising 12th graders and beyond).

The scholarship program of the Nina Simone Project (NSP) is designed to support both the short- and long-term educational goals of individuals on career paths who demonstrate economic need. Candidates from all academic disciplines and all global points are eligible to apply. Scholarship monies may be used for both formalized academic study and ancillary cultural enrichment program opportunities with an educational emphasis.

To date, the Nina Simone scholarship program has made six awards. Recipients have used their awards to further their undergraduate and graduate educational goals at the University of South Carolina, the University of North Carolina and Oxford University, United Kingdom.

Education is a major component in the NSPs mission, states Dr. Crys Armbrust, founder and executive director of the Nina Simone Project. Our youth constitutes the hope for our future because our world will be what they become. How we participate in that transforming educational process will have a discernable impact. Thus, it is our purpose to support and provide constructive, pro-active learning opportunities for young peopleopportunities which promote their intellectual growth and their individual success.

Application materials are available on the scholarship page of the NSPs website: www.ninasimoneproject.org. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before June 1.