By Cynthia Whitty

Several community-based scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors who reside in Ashland. For more information on these scholarships and other grants and financial aid, visit the Ashland High School counseling department. Here is a sampling of scholarships offered by local groups.

March 31: Greater Framingham Running Club (GFRC) Rich and Chris Chesmore Scholarship. Each year, subject to budget approval, GFRC presents two college scholarships to local high school seniors. The scholarship award for 2022 will be $500 for each recipient. The deadline to apply is March 31. For the scholarship application, criteria, and eligibility information visit www.gfrcrun.org/membership/scholarship.htm.

April 1: The Rotary Education Fund of Framingham is pleased to offer15-$4,000 scholarships in 2022 to graduating high school seniors living in or attending school (public or private) in Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, and Hopkinton. All criteria specified on the application are required and includes a student school record that indicates the probability of success in college; a recommendation from high school principal and/or guidance counselor; and demonstrated financial need. Applications are due by April 1. For the application, visit www.framinghamrotary.org. Click on Rotary High School Scholarship under “Our Current Projects.”

April 28: Each year the Ashland Business Association (ABA) provides scholarships to high school seniors residing in Ashland who exemplify community and business spirit, work ethic, and creativity. This year the business organization will offer two-$1,500 scholarships. The deadline to submit an application and supporting materials is midnight on April 28. Students may download an application from the ABA website, ashlandbusinessassociation.com/scholarship-application.

May 1: The Ashland Farmers Market (AFM) will offer two-$1,000 scholarships to graduating Ashland High School seniors or recent graduates who are beginning studies in 2022 at an accredited institution. Field of study must be in line with the mission of AFM, including but not limited to agriculture, nutritional science, environmental science, and community development. Preference will be given to students who have a history of volunteering at AFM. The deadline to apply is May 1. Find the application here on the AFM website, bit.ly/3sx2FVa. For more information, visit www.ashlandfarmersmarket.org.