Since 2003, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)’s Young Entrepreneur Foundation (YEF) has awarded 2,095 scholarships to graduating high school seniors totaling $2,382,000. The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards program was established to raise awareness among the nation’s youth about the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in the building of America.
Last year, more than 4,500 students nationwide applied for a YEF scholarship. NFIB awarded 131 scholarships to young entrepreneurs across the country, including one Washington state high school senior, thanks to the financial support from numerous small business leaders, corporate, and foundation supporters.
Washington state high school seniors wishing to apply for a 2012 scholarship can go online at www.nfib.com/yef until Dec. 15.
The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award recipients will attend the university, college, community college, or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000–$10,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation.
To qualify for a YEF Award, students must be running their own business. They are required to write an essay describing their entrepreneurial endeavors and future goals. Standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank are also considered in the selection process.
NFIB members around the country nominate applicants for the Young Entrepreneur Awards. An independent, outside committee selects a group of qualified semi-finalists. (end)
For further information, contact Stacy Jenkins at 866-307-2846 or stacy.jenkins@nfib.org. To apply, visit www.nfib.com/yef.