Due to the generosity of many private donors, Sandhills Community College will be able to award more than $400,000 in merit and need-based scholarships for the 2013-2014 academic year, which begins in August.

The Priority Early Consideration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 28. Applications received by this date will be considered before all others.

A scholarship committee, appointed by President Dr. John Dempsey, selects the recipients. Scholarships are administered through the college's financial aid office.

The scholarship process includes a completed admissions application, the completion and filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and a scholarship recommendation form from two college faculty or staff members.

All forms, as well as the complete list of scholarships, are posted on the college's website at www.sandhills.edu/scholarships.

Current high school students are encouraged to apply if they plan to attend Sandhills Community College after high school graduation in June. In addition to the aforementioned steps, they must submit a current high school transcript. The recommendations can come from their high school teachers.