DEL NORTE — Rio Grande County Sheriff Brian Norton announced that County Sheriffs of Colorado Inc. (CSOC), the state sheriffs association, will award a $500 scholarship to a deserving Rio Grande County student in the spring. CSOC established the scholarship program in 1978. Since then, this effort has continued as a meaningful expression of the sheriffs’ confidence in and respect for education and training. CSOC considers this an investment in the future and believes that our membership is helping to provide deserving students with an opportunity to make a positive contribution to society.

Scholarship announcements have been mailed to all high school offices in the eligible counties and to all Colorado higher education institutions. Applications are available online at www.csoc.org or at the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office at 640 Cherry Street, Del Norte 81132.

Sheriff Norton explained that this is the 39th year that County Sheriffs of Colorado has made such scholarships available. A scholarship will be awarded in more than 30 Colorado counties this year. Applications will be reviewed by a local citizens committee appointed by Sheriff Norton, and a selection will be made on the basis of criteria established by CSOC. This criterion includes leadership, merit, character, involvement and career purpose.

Any legal permanent resident of Rio Grande County enrolled in or applying to a vocational training program or institution of higher education in the state of Colorado as a full or part-time student is eligible to apply. There are no restrictions as to the course of study or training that may be pursued, and no restrictions are placed upon applications by race, creed, age, sex or national origin.

For more information contact your local high school, college, the Rio Grande County Sheriff’s Office or County Sheriffs of Colorado.