Bakersfield College’s Chicano Cultural Center is contacting businesses about a unique scholarship program.

For every local dollar given to the center for scholarships, the Washington, D.C.-based Hispanic Scholarship Fund will match that amount two-to-one.

The Chicano Cultural Center has until March 31 to raise funds up to $50,000. Anything exceeding the cap that was raised during the allotted time will still be matched one-to-one by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Scholarships from this special fund will only be awarded to BC students who are transferring and graduating high school seniors who plan to attend BC in the 2002-03 academic year.

Cornelio Rodriguez, director of the Chicano Cultural Center, was elated about the chance to have the money matched. Rodriguez said the incentive to match money was offered because of insufficient financial aid awards given to Kern County students.

“If we raise $50,000, that means $150,000 for BC applicants,” Rodriguez said. He said that 13 transferring students have applied for the money.

The center is now in the process of raising that money. It has sent letters to the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and local businesses making them aware of the matched donations.

He said so far the center has received a few checks and mostly commitments. He has set the center’s goal at $50,000.

Applicants interested in the scholarships must meet certain criteria.

Some students have been under the misconception that recipients are chosen by financial need alone, however, Rodriguez said that although some scholarships are indeed based on financial need, this specific scholarship fund will grant awards based on GPA, school involvement, community work and personal profile.

He encourages all Hispanic students who are eligible to apply. For more information, call 395-4532.