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The Suffolk Foundation recently announced the availability of 16 scholarships to benefit area high school seniors and former graduates of area high schools. 

More thanb $100,000 is available to be awarded this spring, with individual award amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Some scholarships are need-based, while others are merit-based, officials said in a news release. Many are for high school seniors, but some are also available to current college students. Homeschooled students are also encouraged to apply, as some of the scholarships are available to them as well. 

There are specific scholarships that consider a student’s intended major, such as those majoring in art, nursing, engineering, education and healthcare. Some consider a student’s leadership experience, community involvement, athletic participation, or whether they have a learning difference.

Students in areas outside of the City of Suffolk can also apply, as there are Suffolk Foundation scholarships that include students from Isle of Wight County, Franklin City, Southampton County, Sussex County, Surry County, and even Gates County, North Carolina.

This year, the Suffolk Foundation will award a $1,000 “Just Because” scholarship in a random drawing of those who applied and were not awarded another scholarship.

The individual criteria for each scholarship vary and are available on the Suffolk Foundation web page at suffolkfoundation.org/scholarships, where students can apply online using one common application for all 16 scholarships.

The Suffolk Foundation will be working directly with high school counselors and scholarship advisors to award at least one deserving recipient each scholarship. For further information, contact Lorelei Morrow, executive director of the Suffolk Foundation, by email at LMorrow@suffolkfoundation.org or by calling 757-923–9090.  Applications must be submitted online no later than 5 p.m., March 22.