School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. is encouraging high school seniors who have participated in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics programs to apply for its Fred Breithut Scholarship. This special scholarship will assist an incoming student at Farmingdale State College throughout four years of college with $1,000 per semester (maximum eight semesters).

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Confirmed active participation in the SBPLI Long Island FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics program while in high school for at least two years

• A high school GPA of 85 or better

• SAT score of 550 or better in math, and 1100 combined or better in math/critical reading 

• A letter from the team leader/mentor confirming active participation in the robotics program and addressing leadership, teamwork and gracious professionalism displayed by the student

• An essay from the student addressing community activities in which he/she participated and how the scholarship will influence his/her career goals

• Enrollment in one of Farmingdale State College's four-year programs: mathematics, science, engineering technology or computer systems

In order to continue receiving the scholarship each semester while attending Farmingdale State College, the recipient must meet the following criteria:

• 3.5 GPA at the end of each semester

• A commitment to promote and support the Long Island FIRST robotics programs

• A letter describing the actions he/she has taken to promote and support the FIRSTprogram on Long Island and/or within Farmingdale State College

The deadline to apply is March 1. The scholarship winner will be announced at the Long Island FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), which will take place March 27-29 at Hofstra University.

The scholarship is named after SBPLI's late founder Fred Breithut, who strongly believed that students pursuing careers in science, math, engineering, and technology is essential for our society and future workforce on Long Island.

"We encourage every high school student who meets the scholarship requirements and is considering attending Farmingdale State College to apply for this generous scholarship," says Joani Madarash, Executive Director, School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. "It's a great opportunity for students to help pay for their college education and inspire them to pursue careers in engineering, science, or technology."