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The Uncommon Friends Foundation is accepting applications for its 2016 scholarships until April 1st. More than a dozen scholarships will be awarded to deserving students, veterans, struggling adults, and single parents of good character who are pursuing degrees in education, law, technology, and other studies. Nominees from Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, or Hendry Counties who need financial assistance, excel in school and or in life, and possess good character traits are eligible to apply. Scholarships vary in application requirements, duration and financial amounts, while some are for specific schools such as Florida Gulf Coast University, High Tech Center, and PACE Center for Girls of Lee County.

Scholarship application forms and requirements can be found at https://uncommonfriends.org/scholarships/applications-nominations/. Application packets require an application form, as well as an essay from the applicant describing how he or she emulates the character traits of the Uncommon Friends Foundation. Applicants must also supply a digital color photograph and include one or more letters from a personal sponsor, such as a service agency, school guidance counselor, teacher, or principal. Submit completed applications packets by April 1 via email to scholarships@uncommonfriends.org. Winners will be announced in May. All winners will be honored at the Uncommon Friends Foundation Uncommon Evening annual gala to be held Thursday, November 3, from 6 – 9 pm at the Burroughs Home and Gardens. Tickets and sponsorships to the event can be purchased by emailing angela@uncommonfriends.org.

The Uncommon Friends Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 and dedicated to lifelong character building among today’s youth and business leaders. It promotes character education in schools, ethics in the workplace, and preservation of the historic Burroughs Home & Gardens and James Newton Archives. For more information, visit https://uncommonfriends.org/ or call Executive Director Angela Melvin at (239) 337-9503.