Garfield Re-2 would like to remind parents of preschoolers that the application process for Early Access to Kindergarten and First Grade will open soon. This opportunity of acceleration is available for gifted 4- or 5-year old children who require comprehensive academic acceleration through early access to either kindergarten or first grade. It is the intent of the law that early access is not intended for all children who are gifted, but rather that there are some children for whom early access is an appropriate educational decision. Children for whom early access is being requested must be either 4 years of age by the start date for kindergarten or 5 years of age by the start date for first grade. Applications will be accepted starting March 1. Completed portfolios are due no later than April 1. For more information regarding the Early Access procedure or to request a portfolio, please contact Darlane Evans or Kathy Goodman, coordinators for Gifted Education for Garfield Re-2, at (970) 665-6791.

VVHA has established a Health Sciences Scholarship for persons entering or continuing with studies in the medical field. Two scholarships will be awarded to students planning to pursue a career in the Health Sciences. Any person wishing to study or to continue studies in the medical field is eligible for this scholarship. All completed applications are due Friday, April 13, and will be reviewed by the VVHA Scholarships committee. For further information and applications, please call Annalise Appel, volunteer coordinator, at 384-6656 or visit the Valley View Hospital website to download an application.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) announces that it is seeking 40 applicants for the 2012 Youth Academy, which will be held in Golden June 10-16. Application deadline is March 9.

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“The goal of the Youth Academy is to assist in the development of future leaders for the state of Colorado,” said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the CSP. “Focus is on leadership development through team exercises and individual achievement. Participants will become familiar with the basic elements of the CSP Academy through a daily training schedule.”

The academy, which is mentally and physically demanding, is provided at no cost to the participants and is made possible through partnerships with local community-minded businesses, organizations and the CSP. It stresses team exercises, team building and leadership. Training includes the Alive at 25 defensive driving course, introduction to law enforcement ethics, law enforcement driving, firearm safety and familiarization, police communications and the history and philosophy of the CSP.

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The basic requirements for applying to the CSP Youth Academy are:

• Be at least 16 years old and a high school student at the time of application

• Be a Colorado resident

• Have a valid Colorado driver’s license

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.0

• Complete an application

• Show proof of medical insurance and have a doctor’s certification of ability to participate

• Agree to a criminal and driver history check

• Present two letters of recommendation

• Complete an interview at the local CSP Troop office

Applicants that meet the above requirements, can pick up an application form at their local CSP Troop Office. Applicants who are accepted will be mailed a cadet packet in April.

The Valley View Auxiliary sponsors four scholarships each year through Colorado Mountain College. CMC administers the qualifications and awards the scholarships to persons continuing their education in the nursing field. Only students accepted into the CMC Nursing Program are eligible for these scholarships. For information regarding these scholarships, including applications and deadlines, please call the CMC Foundation at 947-8355 or visit the Valley View Hospital website to download an application.

Grand River Hospital District is offering seven $1,000 scholarships to local students.

Any person who lives in Grand River Hospital District or is a full time student in one of the three in-district high schools (Rifle, Grand Valley or Coal Ridge) may apply. You must be pursuing a career in the medical field, and planning to attend or are currently attending a college, university, or technical school in the fall of 2012. Both graduating high school seniors and individuals who have previously graduated high school may apply. Awards will be given only to those who have not previously received a scholarship from Grand River Hospital District.

Applicable healthcare related fields include nursing, radiology, pathology, pre-med, physical therapy or other medically related vocations. Scholarships must be used in the fall of 2012 and are exclusively for payments of tuition, books, and other fees necessary for attendance. Awards will be paid to the institution of the student’s choice, not to the recipient of the scholarship.

Applications are due April 4, 2012, and are available at Grand Valley, Rifle, and Coal Ridge High Schools and online at http://www.grhd.org. Applicants are asked to include a written essay, letters of recommendation, high school or college transcripts, and information about the student applying.

For more information about the scholarship program, please call (970) 625-6423.

Students can apply for college financial assistance using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an important step in the college planning process, and families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the first of the year.

“A common misconception by many families is that a student won’t qualify for federal aid because the parents’ income is too high,” said Dawn Taylor Owens, executive director of College In Colorado. “However, many students qualify for aid, even with household incomes over $100,000 and we encourage all families to complete the FAFSA no matter what their income level is.”

Families can use CollegeInColorado.org to understand the financial aid basics; use financial aid calculators to help determine the costs associated with college, how to pay, and how to save; find scholarships that match students’ skills, background, and accomplishments; and make a plan and stay on track using Financial Aid Planning Timelines.

College In Colorado provides free presentations in English and Spanish across the state to help with FAFSA completion, and can assist in answering college planning questions. Families can also call (720) 264-8580 for assistance in both English and Spanish. Students and parents should complete the FAFSA online, at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or http://www.CollegeInColorado.org.