Presidential Freedom Scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to juniors and seniors who are recognized by school officials for their exceptional commitment to responsible citizenship through service to their community. To qualify for the scholarship, students must have served at least 100 hours over the past 12 months and must also submit a brief essay on the meaning and significance of their service in light of the events of September 11, 2001.

"The young people of this country have demonstrated that their desire to protect our homeland, to support our communities, and to extend American compassion around the world is steadfast and unwavering," said President Bush. The Presidential Freedom Scholarships "help us recognize the deep commitment of our young people and encourage them to sustain that passion and dedication through their lifetimes."

The new scholarship program updates the President's Student Service Scholarships, which have been awarded to more than 20,000 students since 1997. The program continues to be administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service through its Learn and Serve America program. The Corporation, a federal agency, engages more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to their country and their fellow citizens.

Presidential Freedom Scholarships are available through a matching grant program to juniors and seniors who attend any high school in the United States or its territories and who plan to attend an institution of higher learning upon graduation. Principals or their designees can select up to two students per high school. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides $500 in federal funds for each scholarship awarded. That amount must be matched with funds provided by local community or civic organizations, businesses, or foundations.

Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, said the Presidential Freedom Scholarship is a great way to recognize students who are answering President Bush's "call to service."

"President Bush has asked Americans to dedicate the equivalent of two years of service to their nation, in order to build a culture of citizenship, service, and responsibility," said Lenkowsky. "These scholarships encourage students all around the country to serve their communities and their nation."

The essay requirement, he added, "gives student service leaders the opportunity to really think about what citizenship means, and how being an engaged citizen relates to the fundamental values of our nation."

In addition to administering Learn and Serve America, the Corporation for National and Community Service oversees AmeriCorps and Senior Corps and is a proud part of the USA Freedom Corps, a comprehensive initiative to engage more citizens in service at home and abroad.

Created in 1993, the Corporation for National and Community Service engages more than 2 million Americans annually in improving their communities through three programs: AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. For more information, visit www.nationalservice.org/about.