Republican women from Kane County seeking financial assistance for college can apply to be considered for the Mary Richards Scholarship Fund.

Mary Richards, a graduate of the Northwestern School of Nursing, served on the Kane County Board for 24 years. She was integral in the formation of the county’s Health Department and the development of its prenatal care program. Richards passed away in 2007.

Scholarships in the amount of $500 will be awarded.

Applicants must be female, registered to vote and a resident of Kane County, Ill. They must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in Illinois, and have volunteered in some form of activity related to the Republican Party. Other conditions also apply.

Applicants also must submit a written essay of 500 words or less, answering the following: I exercise my right to vote because…?

Applications must be received by September 15. Winners will be announced in October.

For full details of the scholarship, e-mail pennyfalcon@sbcglobal.net.