UKIAH – Scholarship applications for students planning to attend Mendocino College during the 2010-11 school year are now available online and from the college’s scholarship office.

Deadline for the applications is 5 p.m. Monday, March 1, administrators have announced.

Scholarship information including application packets, application criteria, awards and donors, and awards ceremony details can be found on the Mendocino College Web site, www.mendocino.edu , in the “For Students” section.

For more information about the application process, contact the scholarship office by calling 707-468-3105.

Students may submit their applications at any time before the deadline, and early submission is recommended.

Useful tips for completing the application packets are available online and from the college scholarship office.

Following instructions for completing the application packet is crucial, said Mendocino College Scholarship Coordinator Lana Eberhard.

Many students jeopardize their eligibility by incorrectly completing or forgetting to complete all requirements of the application, says Eberhard.

For that reason, she recommends reading through the tips offered by the scholarship office.

A student completing a scholarship application becomes eligible for all scholarships offered, according to Eberhard. These include Mendocino College Foundation scholarships and other local donor-sponsored awards offered through the college.

The number of scholarships available varies each year as donations from individuals and groups change, she added.

This year’s pool of scholarships includes two from outside agencies who have designated the awards for students who plan to transfer from Mendocino College in fall 2010, said Eberhard.

“We are encouraging anybody planning to attend Mendocino College and anyone who is currently enrolled and applying to transfer in the fall to apply,” she said.

Eberhard reported that only 140 applications were received last year. Of the 140 people who applied, 72 percent of the applicants received scholarships; and of that 72 percent, 81 people received scholarships totaling more than $1,000 per person.

Records show that $184,215 was awarded last year, representing a combined total of 79 Mendocino College Foundation scholarships and 69 outside scholarships.

Students should keep in mind that committees review the applications and that the essay is the most important part, Eberhard said.

Emphasizing the need to write a “compelling essay,” Eberhard said she offers workshops when she can. Scheduled workshops are listed on the Web site’s scholarships information page.

Two letters of recommendation are also required. The application tips offered by the scholarship office specifically focus on essay writing and obtaining letters of recommendation.

For groups interested in providing scholarships, donor applications are available from the scholarship office. This year’s scholarship awards ceremony is scheduled for May 7.

The Mendocino College Foundation presents its awards during a separate ceremony, also tentatively slated for May. People and groups who provide scholarships are invited to participate in the spring ceremonies.

For more information regarding making a donation, contact Eberhard at 707-468-3105.