Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara (R,C-Westbury) last week announced significant graduate scholarships to be awarded in August. The Sprint Corporation and the National Conference of State Legislators Women's Network will sponsor the grants-in-aid.

"Scholarships of $2,500 each will be given to four deserving applicants who will be entering graduate school in the fall. This is a wonderful opportunity for eligible students to seek meaningful financial help for graduate studies," said Ferrara.

Requirements include:

* A grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 in undergraduate study;

* Students must be entering graduate school for the first time in the fall of 2001 in order to be eligible; and,

* The graduate field of study must be in public policy, political science, public administration or a related field.

Awards will be based upon scholastic achievements, community/school involvement, a written personal statement by the applicant, a two-page public policy issue essay, and two letters of recommendation.

Applicants must request an application before June 20. Completed applications are due no later than June 29. An application form or information may be obtained from the Sprint Corporation at 1-800-796-3464.

"It is gratifying to see the Sprint Corporation join forces with women legislators to provide financial aid to deserving graduate students in these important career fields. We welcome talented newcomers into these interesting and challenging endeavors," Ferrara concluded.