Friday deadline set for Mercedes scholarships

This year, there are $1.5 million in scholarships available through the Mercedes- Benz USA 2006 Drive Your Future scholarship program, officials at Mercedes-Benz USA said in a press release.

The application deadline is Friday.

The scholarships are being made available to college- bound students who are the first generation in their families to attend college.

Mercedes-Benz USA officials and dealers nationwide offer the scholarships to students across the country who demonstrate excellence in academic achievement, community service and school activities.

This year, additional scholarships are being offered for students pursuing performing- arts careers. These new scholarships, totaling an additional $500,000, are the Drive Your Future Performance Awards, and are being offered through a partnership with officials from Mercedes-Benz and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF).

Additionally, through the sales of Special Edition GLClass vehicles, Mercedes- Benz leaders will donate $1 million to EIF’s National Arts and Music Education Initiative.

High-school seniors currently attending high school in the United States who will be the first generation in their families to go to college, are encouraged by Mercedes-Benz officials to apply for scholarship awards in the amount of $10,000 ($2,500 a year over four years) that will be granted to students nationwide, as well as to students from specific youth organizations.

“Mercedes-Benz is a brand built on aspiration and excellence.

It is our desire to match our resources with your potential, and, in the process, lay the groundwork for strong, dynamic and thoughtful leadership in the next generation,” a Mercedes-Benz USA official said.

The e-application materials are available at https:// www.scholarshipamerica.

org/drivefuture.