While fall semester 2008 is well under way, it’s not too soon to think about taking courses this spring. Registration for spring Semester begins Nov. 17, with classes starting Jan. 12, 2009—and the application deadline for local scholarships and grants is Nov. 7.

Through the generosity of various individuals and organizations, these awards are available to help students “Get Ahead.” Following are examples of some of the awards available for spring.

King’s Fork Woman’s Club of Suffolk Scholarship

The King’s Fork Woman’s Club of Suffolk has designated a $150 scholarship to be awarded to an adult student. The only requirement for applying is an essay describing the applicant’s goals (personal or professional), why the selected continuing education courses are important, and how this scholarship might help.

RE/MAX Career Grant

Established and funded by RE/MAX AcrossTown, Inc. in Suffolk, this scholarship fund provides two annual $500 Career Preparation Grants for Suffolk Students. Criteria include interest in career/job preparation; enrollment in at least six semester hours of an Associate or Applied Science degree or certificate program at PDCCC; two letters of reference; and a 300- to 500-word essay telling what career/job you have chosen and why.

The Pamela Michelle O’Quin American Sign Language Scholarship

Founded in loving memory of Pamela Michelle O’Quin by her parents, Ted and Loetta, and her sister, Jillian Overby, this new scholarship assists students who are interested in pursuing college-level courses in American Sign Language (ASL). Pamela was born deaf, and through her actions brought many people to love the art of ASL, the native language of the deaf in America.

This scholarship was established in hopes that Pamela’s love for her language can be instilled in others through college studies.

Students who are interested in working with the Deaf and hard-of-hearing or feel that their desired working environment could possibly include deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers are highly encouraged to apply. Criteria for the $250 scholarship include a minimal 3.0 GPA; enrollment in at least six credits; enrollment in a degree program; and a one-paragraph essay stating the reasons why this scholarship could assist you in obtaining your educational goals. Students who have taken an ASL class or plan to take an ASL class are preferred.

For information on other scholarships available for spring semester and other options at PDCCC, call 569-6700 or visit the Web site at www.pc.vcccs.edu.