HARRISBURG, Dec. 16 - House Speaker Keith R. McCall, D-Carbon, announced that applications are now being accepted for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship Program.

Through the program, four-year scholarships will be awarded to two high school seniors who plan to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school. The scholarships of around $2,500 can be renewed for up to four years, and students may be eligible to receive matching funds from Savings and Growth for Education and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency's Partnerships for Access to Higher Education program.Recipient's names are automatically submitted to PHEAA, and a matching award may be granted based upon remaining financial need."This is a wonderful scholarship opportunity for Pennsylvania college-bound students," McCall said. "I am pleased that the House of Representatives can once again provide this financial assistance to two students this year."The program, now in its sixth year, has provided scholarships to 12 students. It is funded by private, tax deductible donations, including gifts from former and current House members. The non-profit Foundation for Enhancing Communities administers the program and uses the nowU Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program at the Pennsylvania Treasury Department.To be eligible, a student must reside in Pennsylvania, have a minimum high school grade point average of 3.0, demonstrate a commitment to community and show financial need. In addition to completing an application, students will be asked to write an essay and submit three personal reference letters.For more information about the scholarship program, as well as an application and instructions, visit

www.PAhousescholarship.com. The deadline to apply for the 2010-2011 scholarship is March 1, 2010.