HIGHLAND | College tuition is on the rise, and a local organization aims to help local students pay for their schooling.

Highland Dollars for Scholars Foundation is a tax-exempt, charitable organization whose sole purpose is to provide scholarships for any Highland resident graduate. It's an affiliate of Citizens Scholarship Foundation of America.

The organization needs help to fund this year's scholarships because it fell short of its 2008 goal, according to a news release. By the end of the month, the 2008 scholarship candidates' applications will be reviewed.

The organization needs $50,000 to ensure all qualified students receive a scholarship. The awards will be presented in May during Highland High School's honors night.

Dollars for Scholars representatives credit the organization's success to Highland residents, businesses and community organizations. The group receives contributions through United Way pledges, Indiana educational license plate revenue and Target educational contributions when Highland High School is designated as the recipient.

Highland elementary schools, Highland Middle School and Our Lady of Grace have supported Highland Dollars for Scholars since the organization began in 1994 through their parent organizations, according to the release. Participation by student and adult volunteers in local parades has also raised "dollars" for scholars.

Memorial scholarships are an option for donations of $500 or greater. Lesser amounts are added to the general fund and awarded as a scholarship of not less than $500.

Only 5 percent of the group's money goes to operating costs, according to the release.

The organization maintains accounts for businesses, organizations and individuals whose contributions are more than $500 and wish to give scholarships in their own name. Those donors can work with a coordinator to develop the criteria for their scholarship. The recipients may be selected by the contributor but the majority are chosen by the scholarship committee.

To make a donation, call Jean Gogolak at (219) 922-5613 or send it to Highland Dollars For Scholars, 9135 Erie St., Highland, IN 46322. Donor forms can be found at www.highland.k12.in.us/HHS/index.htm Click on Dollars for Scholars and follow the links. A complete list of donors can be found on the Web site.

- For The Times