Commerce to provide $225,000 in scholarships

Commerce Bank is searching for 225 community service-oriented high school seniors for the Commerce Bank American Dream Scholarship program, which awards $225,000 annually to local graduating seniors who achieve both academic excellence and serve the community.
Candidates can apply online by filling out an e-application. Interested students should visit commerceonline.com/americandream from through Dec. 15 for 2008-2009 academic year scholarships.
Student applications will be evaluated for accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Scholarship winners will be selected based on academic achievement, goals and aspirations, demonstrated leadership, participation in community service activities, work experience and personal recommendations.
Applicants must:
-- be graduating high school seniors, residing in a county served by Commerce Bank;
-- plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school in the United States;
-- have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent;
-- demonstrate involvement in community service, volunteerism, school activities and/or employment responsibilities.
Scholarships will be awarded to students residing within the bank’s market area of more than 450 stores from Connecticut to Southeast Florida. Commerce Bank again has partnered with Scholarship America, a national nonprofit and the nation’s largest nonprofit, private sector scholarship and educational support organization.
Questions regarding the Commerce Bank American Dream Scholarship should be directed to Scholarship America at 507-931-1682. When calling Scholarship America, please refer to the Commerce Bank program.