Contact:
Jessica M.L. Thompson, Communications Director
270-781-3200; jessica@bgchamber.com
BOWLING GREEN, KY-The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce oversees two scholarship programs, providing assistance to Western Kentucky University students pursuing degrees. These scholarships support the Chamber's workforce development initiative within its annual Action Plan.
The Luther Smith Scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior WKU student who is majoring in an agriculture-related field. Stephen Loyd Estes received this $500 scholarship in 2008. Students receiving the scholarship must be enrolled as full-time students and must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
"Awarded to WKU students in ag-related fields, the Luther Smith scholarship benefits the recipients with support for their endeavors. Because of the contributions we have received, we are assured that many students will receive these benefits well into the future," said Joanna Coles, extension agent/agriculture for the Warren County Cooperative Extension Service.
The Cornelius Martin ATHENA Scholarship is given to a nontraditional female student at WKU. Jennifer Louise Cox received this $500 scholarship for the 2008-2009 school year. Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and may be full- or part-time students. Applicants must also be residents of Warren County. This scholarship fund was created as a tribute to Mr. Cornelius Martin.
"The Cornelius Martin ATHENA Scholarship was created to honor the memory of a respected leader of our community and to support the further education of women who are nontraditional students. Mr. Martin was a firm believer in the importance of creating strong women leaders in our community, and this scholarship helps to further that dream for its recipients," said Vickie Elrod, chief operating officer of Holland CPAs, PSC and 1991 ATHENA Award recipient.
Those wishing to make a contribution to ensure the continuation of either of these scholarships should send their contributions to College Heights Foundation, Western Kentucky University, 1960 College Heights Blvd, #11018, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1018, and indicate which scholarship to which you wish to make a donation.
"Educating our future workforce is key to a community's success," said Doug Gorman, chairman of the 2008 Chamber Board of Directors. "The Chamber understands that education is what helps our community thrive, and we are proud to contribute to WKU through these scholarships."
Incorporated in 1935, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is the driving force for economic development in South Central Kentucky. As one of only 336 chambers nationwide to be accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the fourth largest chamber in Kentucky, the Chamber serves as a premier business advocate for its more than 1,300 partners. Its primary goals are to promote growth and success in the business community, reaching its small business partners and those
in large industries alike. With leadership programs, governmental relations projects, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, the Chamber aims to support the community and its neighbors in order to enhance the business climate and continue to grow the region.