The Illinois General Assembly and State Representative Robert Pritchard are awarding four scholarships for state schools.

The scholarships are available to students in the 70th Representative District (including much of DeKalb County and eastern portions of Ogle and Lee counties) who are interested in public and civil affairs.

Both graduate and undergraduate students are eligible. Scholarships are for one year.

“If we had given it out for four years, less people would get it,” Pritchard said. “We wanted to help as many people as we could.”

No student may win more than two years.

The scholarships cover all of tuition to the school and some fees.

The potential student must complete the application and supply the required information, including official transcripts, by March 5.

Notification of scholarship winners will be made in May.

Pritchard said he expected about 100 people to apply.

The General Assembly Public Affairs Scholarship Program allows each member of the Illinois General Assembly to award scholarships to students who have been active in public and civic affairs and who are in need of financial assistance.

Applications can be found at www.pritchardstaterep.com and at the district office, 2600 DeKalb Ave., Suite C, Sycamore. For more information, call the office at 748-3494.