«BEST BUY» SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE; 1,000 Scholarship for $1,000 each available — REP. ALONZO URGES APPLICANTS TO APPLY NOW – DEADLINE IS FEB 15, 2010

AUSTIN, TX – Texas State Representative Roberto R. Alonzo urges applicants to consider applying to the latest scholarship program geared at promoting and recognizing community volunteerism among students in grades 9-12.

This year the Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program will award 1,000 scholarships of $1,000 each to students in grades 9-12 living in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who plan to enter a full-time undergraduate course of study upon high school graduation. Deadline to apply is February 15, 2010.

«As a former migrant student growing up in a poor family, I can personally attest to the importance and necessity that financial aid can have in the enrollment, retention, and ultimately graduating from college. I could have never attended, much less stayed and graduated from college, and become a successful attorney, had it not been for

scholarships, grants, work -study, and all other forms of financial assistance that helped me along the way,» said Rep. Alonzo.

«For that reason, now that I am a Texas lawmaker, I have always been ad advocate of financial aid programs that help students achieve their dream of a college education. This Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program is another excellent opportunity for many students to achieve that dream. More importantly, this scholarship program is unique because it promotes and recognizes community volunteerism among our youth – something which I believe is often lacking in a student’s resume. Volunteerism often enhances a student’s background, resume, and chances for future scholarship opportunities. I encourage students to apply,» continued Rep. Alonzo.

«Moreover, in light of the current economic situation, coupled with the fact that tuition, institutional fees and the overall costs of getting a college education continues to escalate, I urge students to apply for this scholarship,» said Rep. Alonzo.

«Additionally, as those costs increase, the accessibility and affordability of a college education continues to become more out of reach for average hard-working families. Thus, it becomes more imperative that our youth and their

families take advantage of scholarship programs like this one,» continued Rep. Alonzo.

This Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program is looking for folks with solid grades, who are involved in volunteer efforts in their schools and communities, and/or have a work history. Additionally, students must be planning to attend a college, university or technical school in the fall immediately following their high school graduation. Students in grades 9–12th attending any private, public, alternative or home schools are eligible to apply. Grants are a one-time

award, so if you were a winner in the past, you are not eligible to apply again.

» I firmly believe that every capable student should have the benefits of going to a college or university regardless of family income status, ethnicity, or prior collegiate track record in the immediate family. Equally important, all

Texans should have the opportunity to succeed professionally and survive economically in our society, whether it be in urban, rural, suburban, east, west, north, or south Texas. With our changing demographics and population makeup now shifted toward a more minority majority state, Texans of all ethnic backgrounds, income levels,

philosophical beliefs, and gender should have that opportunity today – more so than ever before. I cannot stress how important it is that we must be better prepared as a state and nation to be able to educate that shifting population.

This excellent scholarship program is just one avenue toward meeting that goal,» continued Rep. Alonzo.

«An accessible, affordable college education for all qualified students should be a top priority for all Texans if we are to be well-prepared and effectively equipped to meet the diverse complex challenges and technology-oriented opportunities of the new millennium. Generally, most of the research data is replete with statistics showing that those with college degrees are better off economically than those with only a high school education. Additionally, nowadays most good-paying jobs require more than just a mere high school education if individuals are to be

successful in their future careers and at the same time be able to retire with a long quality life that is fulfilled and prosperous,» concluded Rep. Alonzo.

Higher education issues in general, and specifically the accessibility and affordability of a college education for all Texans, has consistently been at the top of the legislative priorities for Rep. Alonzo since he was first elected to the Texas Legislature in 1992. He continues to advocate the issue in his roles as a member of the House Higher Education Committee as well as Co-Chair of the Higher Education Task Force of the 44-member Mexican American Legislative Caucus, one of the largest and most influential caucuses within the Texas Legislature.

Interested student applicants from House District 104 may contact either my Dallas Legislative Office (214-942- 7104) or Austin Capitol Office (512-463-0408, or toll-free at 866-449-5770). Students may also contact or gain direct access to the Best Buy @15 Scholarship Program and other pertinent application details by visiting their website at www.bestbuy.com/scholarships or www.at15.com