Each year, the Death Valley '49er Organization awards a scholarship to a graduating high school senior. This year the requirements have been changed to include students who fulfill the following requirements.

Has been or is a resident in the Death Valley Unified School District and/or Death Valley National Park for a minimum of two years and/or parent(s) are employed within the boundaries of Death Valley National Park and/or attended death Valley Elementary School for a minimum of two years.

Completes all the required subjects for high school graduation in their junior and senior academic years at Beatty, Shoshone or Pahrump high schools.

Submits a Death Valley '49ers Scholarship Application to the Scholarship Committee by the application deadline in the senior year of high school.

The scholarship winner will receive $2,400 per year for each of four years while attending a college, university or technical school of his choice contingent on his maintaining the academic requirements of the award.

The scholarship was originally created to help Native Americans in the Death Valley area to go to college, but was later expanded to include all high school students living in the Death Valley Unified School District. Thirty-four scholarships have been awarded since the program was inaugurated in 1976. The scholarship is completely supported by memberships, donations and the Art Show held during the annual "Encampment" each November.

Applications are now available through counselors or principals at Beatty, Shoshone or Pahrump high schools. Completed applications are due on or before Jan. 7, 2008. Contact Nan Gering at 760-876-4284 if you have questions or to receive an application.

Donations can be sent to the scholarship endowment fund at Death Valley '49ers, Inc., P. O. Box 338, Death Valley, CA 92328.