High schools can sign up for poetry competition

INDIANAPOLIS — The 2018 Poetry Out Loud competition is open to Indiana high schools for sign-up until Thursday, Nov. 30.

Schools can conduct poem reciting competitions to determine one student to represent each school in the state final competition. It will take place Saturday, Feb. 17, at the state library.

The state champion receives a $200 cash prize and an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national finals in April. The state champion’s school receives a $500 stipend to purchase poetry books.

A total of $50,000 in scholarship awards and school stipends will be awarded at Poetry Out Loud finals, with a $20,000 college scholarship awarded to the national champion.

Indiana’s 2017 champion was Shelby Newland of Bloomington High School South. She went on to take first place in the spoken category of Poetry Ourselves at national finals. Poetry Ourselves allows students to submit original works.

A partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, the POA program encourages the study of poetry by offering education materials and  recitation competition to high school students across the country.

For more information, visit in.gov/library/5580.htm.

Lilly Scholar applications, information available

High school students graduating in 2018 can apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program next month.

One winner is awarded full tuition and fees for four years of undergraduate study at an Indiana public or private college or university, and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment.

Applications, due by 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, are available at the Brown County Community Foundation office, 209 N. Van Buren St., or at browncountygives.org.

For more information, call the BCCF at 812-988-4882 or email [email protected].

Scholarships offered for Hoosier women in college

INDIANAPOLIS — Women & Hi Tech will award two $2,500 college scholarships — to one undergraduate and one graduate — to women living in Indiana who plan to remain in the state after graduation. Scholarships are open to women who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or math. Funds can be used for the second semester of the current academic year.

Applications are due by midnight, Tuesday, Oct. 31. With questions, email Barb Alder at [email protected]. Visit wht.formstack.com/forms/2017scholarship_form for the application/nomination form.

High school seniors can apply for Simon scholarships

BLOOMINGTON — Simon Youth Community Scholarships will make awards to members of the Class of 2018 who live near College Malls.

Students in zip codes 47448 and 47435 are eligible. They will receive up to $1,500 toward tuition and other expenses. The application period ends Feb. 15.

A regional Award of Excellence also will be given. Those students will have the opportunity to receive $10,000 — $2,500 for up to four years.

Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic performance, leadership skills and participation in school and community activities. Those who are first-generation college students also will be given close consideration.

To apply online, visit syf.org/scholarships.

Discounts offered for multiple class enrollments

The Brown County Career Resource Center offers discounts for multiple enrollments or for friends who enroll in classes at the same time. The discount does not apply to Ivy Tech classes.

For more information, call the CRC at 812-988-5880.

Nursing assistant class series to begin Sept. 19

Certified nursing assistant classes are offered periodically at the Brown County Career Resource Center, depending on interest. The next class at 246 E. Main St. is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 19.

For more information or to register, call 812-988-5880.

Sign language classes available at CRC

American Sign Language classes are offered at the Brown County Career Resource Center. New classes will begin the last week of September. Call the CRC at 812-988-5880 for more information.

Ivy Tech classes coming to resource center in spring

The Brown County Career Resource Center will offer Ivy Tech Bloomington classes in the spring. Schedule information will be available in coming months.

Register for beginning Quick Books class at CRC

A beginning Quick Books class is offered at the Brown County Career Resource Center periodically throughout the year. Call 812-988-5880 for more information.

High school equivalency class times set each week

Classes focused on the high school equivalency assessment exam — formerly called GED classes — are taught year-round from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Brown County Career Resource Center, 246 E. Main St.

Students who cannot attend then can arrange instruction by appointment or by distance learning.

People enrolled in adult education may be eligible for free job training through Work One.

For more information, call 812-988-5880.

Small-business counseling available for free

The Brown County Career Resource Center, 246 E. Main St., offers individual small-business counseling sessions through the Service Corps of Retired Executives.

There is no charge for the sessions, which meet in the morning on the first Thursday of every month. An appointment is required.

For more information or to register, call the CRC at 812-988-5880.

Hoosiers can visit attractions for lower cost

Low-income Indiana families can use the Access Pass program to visit nine attractions in Bloomington, Indianapolis and Terre Haute for a reduced rate.

The pass works at Conner Prairie, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana Historical Society, the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Wonderlab Museum in Bloomington.

To get an Access Pass, a person in your immediate household must be enrolled in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Hoosier Healthwise Insurance, SNAP or Hoosier Works. With a pass, the cost to visit each location is $2 per family member per visit, for up to two adults and dependent youth living in the household.

Documents are required to prove eligibility. Some documents can be accessed at ifcem.com. Click on “Check Status/Print Proof of Your Eligibility.” An Indiana-issued photo ID also is required.

To enroll in or renew an existing Access Pass, visit any of the participating venues.