College scholarships offered

Graduating high school students, who are the dependents of independent small business owners in this area, are eligible to apply for a scholarship offered by Padgett Business Services of Milton. "Small business owners are faced with many challenges," said Gloria Francis of the local Padgett office. "Among them is adequate funding for their dependants' post-secondary education." Scholarship applicants must be graduating high school students who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution. In addition, the parent or legal guardian of the student must be an active owner of at least 10 per cent of the stock or capital in a local business that employs fewer than 20 people. The local award is part of an international program in which the Padgett Business Services offers scholarships totaling more than $100,000 to dependents of small business owners All awards will be based on high school averages, extracurricular activities and educational and career plans. Local winners will be announced in May.

The deadline for applying is March 1. For an application or more details call the Milton office, 905-693-8777. All regional winners will become eligible for the national scholarship of $1,000. Padgett Business Services is a financial reporting, tax consulting and payroll service for small business.