The OIL Group of Companies is offering a number of scholarships to students again this year. This is the second time the company has offered large scholarships to students wishing to study abroad.

This year there are two $25,000 scholarships on offer. The scholarships are awarded annually and last for one year. They are awarded to students who achieve academically, possess leadership qualities and have a ?strength of character?. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, which is equivalent to a ?B?.

The chairman of the scholarship committee, Judith Jeffrey, said it was a natural progression that the company offer its own scholarship because it has been contributing to a number of scholarship programmes over the years.

?OIL is delighted to be able to offer financial assistance to bright Bermudians, and we hope this scholarship will help two students to accelerate their dreams of higher education,? she added.

Last year 140 people applied for the scholarship, which highlights the need for more financial assistance for students Ms Jeffrey said. A similar response is expected this year.

Theodore Francis and Jeffrey Steynor were last year?s recipients.

Mr. Francis is currently pursuing a doctorate and master?s degree in history at the University Chicago while Mr. Steynor is midway through a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Edinburgh.

Applications for this year?s scholarships can be picked up at the OIL offices at 30 Woodbourne Avenue or online at www.oil.bm