Sometimes life deals an unexpected hand that makes it nearly impossible for some students to finish their degree.

For those who are ready to return in the fall, but are hesitant because of the cost, the deadline for Reentry Scholarship applications is April 2.

In addition to students in financial need, awards are given for good GPAs, single parents, widows and widowers, those who are 30 years and older and other special circumstances.The Small Grants/ High Hopes Scholarship Committee will select the recipients and award the winners at a reception in the second week of May. Award monies will be available the first week of the Fall semester.

Applicants must include with their entries a letter to the selection committee familiarizing them with the applicant?s background, needs, hopes, ideals and desires. The letter will inform the selection committee of why the student should be awarded a grant.

“About 60 students apply every year for the various scholarships,” said Nancy Lewis, coordinator of Reentry Services.

The Reita E. Bell Scholarship will award four to 10 awards of $400 to $1,000 to students with an inclusive GPA of 3.0 or better.

Students 35 or older and pursuing a degree in liberal arts are eligible for the Elizabeth Berry Dickinson Scholarship of about $250.

The Harold R. Gladstone Single Parent Scholarship will award one student $500.

Four to 10 awards of $400 to $2,000 will be given to widows and widowers 40 years or older pursuing a degree objective, by the Helen Knesek Educational Grant Fund.

The Clarence W. Malcolm Reentry Scholarship will give two awards of about $250 to a full-time student in financial need pursuing a degree in teaching.

The Margaret E. McKoane Scholarship will award one student in financial need about $250.

Applicants at least 35 years old and pursuing a major or minor in English are eligible for the Luella M. Steil Scholarship of $150.

Four to seven Small Grants/High Hopes scholarships of about $400 to $500 each will be given to those 30 years or older demonstrating financial need and working toward a bachelor?s or master?s degree.

Finally, the H.K. Tschudin Scholarship will award about $250 to a single parent 30 years or older with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and a commitment to improving conditions for women and children.

Students can pick up applications at the Scholarship Office in Lassen Hall, Room 1013A, or call Reentry Services at 278-6750.