ROME — The 2023 application for Rome Dollars for Scholars scholarships is now open and will be available online through Monday, March 13, at rome.dollarsforscholars.org.

The application must be completed online. Students who will graduate in June from Rome Free Academy or the New York State School for the Deaf are eligible to apply. Instructions for filling out the application are available on the website or in the guidance offices at RFA and NYSSD.

Dollars for Scholars will distribute between 65 and 70 scholarships this year. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,000. Most of the scholarships are one-time distributions but several are renewable. Scholarships will be distributed to students going to four-year schools, two-year schools and vocational schools.

Criteria for the scholarships is varied. All graduating seniors are strongly encouraged to apply.

Rome Dollars for Scholars scholarships are funded by endowments and by annual donations from individuals and community organizations. Operating costs and additional scholarships are supported by fundraising conducted by the all-volunteer board.

In honor of Dollars for Scholars Month, the Rome chapter is conducting its annual Dollar for a Scholar campaign, asking community members to donate a dollar - or two or three - to support scholarships for local graduating seniors.

Anyone wishing to support Dollars for Scholars can send donations to Rome Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 173, Rome, NY 13440 or through Venmo @Rome-DollarsforScholars.

Rome Dollars for Scholars will also host a Brooks Chicken Barbeque April 25 at Rome Alliance Church, 920 Turin St. More information about these events and contact information for the Rome DFS Board of Directors is available on the chapter’s website.