Iowa's Matthew Shepard Scholarship applications due March 15

Iowa LGBT high school students entering college next fall can apply for a 2012 Matthew Shepard Scholarship by March 15. Iowa's Matthew Shepard Scholarship Program works with highly motivated students who are interested in advice and assistance from adult mentors to accelerate their academic experience and performance, improve their adjustment to professional standards of behavior, goals, ethics and success and out-perform their age group in transitioning to adult leadership roles.

Scholarship awards are based on academic aptitude, academic achievement, community service and financial need. Each recipient will receive up to $40,000 toward tuition, books and fees at an Iowa regent university. The application and requirements are available at matthewshepardscholarship.com.