It's no secret that Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character. Therefore, we are often contacted by scholarship-giving entities asking us to publicize scholarship (and other) opportunities for girls in our council. We have listed them here for your convenience, arranged by deadline.

GSRI Young Women of Distinction Competition

Girl Scouts of Rhode Island is sponsoring its own "Young Women of Distinction" competition for this year's "class" of Gold Award recipients. The top winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship and two runners-up will each receive $500 scholarships. Winners will be announced at the Gold Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Any Girl Scout who completed her Girl Scout Gold Award between May 18, 2011 and April 13, 2012 is welcome to supply. Click here for the application, which must be received at the council office by Friday, April 20, 2012.

4th Annual Clifford Be Big - See Your Big Idea Win a $5,000 Grant

BE BIG is a multiyear campaign that invites everyone, big and small, to take action and raise awareness for how Clifford's BIG Ideas (Share, Be Kind, Help Others, Be a Good Friend, Play Fair, Have Respect, Be Truthful, Believe in Yourself, Work Together and Be Responsible) can make the world a better place. As part of the BE BIG campaign, the contest will award $10,000 in community grants to the BIGGEST ideas that best demonstrate Clifford's BIG ideas. Last year's Grand Prize Winner transformed an empty school rooftop into an eco-friendly garden playground. Your BIG idea might just be next. Everyone is invited -- parents, kids, teachers or community leaders -- to submit their ideas now through June 22, 2012. Click here for contest entry forms and official rules.

Horace and Reverend E. Naomi Craig Scholarship

The Rhode Island Foundation has announced the Horace and Reverend E. Naomi Craig Scholarship which supports the cost of tuition for middle school students (grades 6-8) who wish to attend an independent or parochial school. Students currently in grades 5, 6, or 7 are eligible to apply with proof of acceptance to an accredited independent or parochial school. Preference given to students from Sheldon Street Church community, regardless of address, or Providence's Fox Point neighborhood. Awards are in the $2,000 range and are renewable. Students will submit online applications. Deadline is February 15, 2012. Click here and follow links to Scholarships for Middle School-Level Study/Horace and Reverence E. Naomi Craig Scholarship.

There are also many other scholarships available on the Rhode Island Foundation website.

Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship

The Herbert E. Kaplan Youth in Philanthropy Scholarship is a $2,500 college scholarship given annually to a Rhode Island high school senior who demonstrates philanthropic spirit within the community. The award is named in memory of Herb Kaplan, a Rhode Islander well-noted for his service to the community. The scholarship is jointly funded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals - RI Chapter and Herb's wife, Christine Townsend. The scholarship will be awarded in November 2012 and must be used by June 30, 2013.

Check back later in 2012 for application.

National Young Women of Distinction - Call for Nominations

Ten National Young Women of Distinction (NYWOD) will be selected in May from among the most exceptional Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. Any Girl Scout who completed her Girl Scout Gold Award between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 is welcome to apply. Girl Scouts who receive the NYWOD honor will receive a $3,000 college scholarship made possible through the generosity of the Ford Foundation and Kappa Delta.  In addition, the NYWOD will be prominently and nationally recognized at the National Council Session/Convention and will be invited to serve as consultants to GSUSA; NYWOD may be as asked to take part in speaking engagements, surveys, webinars or other activities that influence the Girl Scout experience.

GSRI must receive your application by April 20, 2011. Click here for application and further information.

PS3 Ronald A. Gill Jr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation

The PS3 Ronald A. Gill Jr. Memorial Scholarship Foundation was established by the parents of Ronnie Gill to ensure that their son's death was not in vain and that his legacy continues. This year, for the second time, the foundation will award the Girl Scout Troop 276 Scholarship. Ronnie's father was inspired to establish this scholarship when he discovered a wreath made by the girls in Troop 276 at his son's memorial. In order to be eligible, a girl must be a registered GSRI Girl Scout and a high school senior who plans to attend a two or four year college. Part of the application process includes an essay about the impact of Ronnie's life. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000.

The application deadline is April 15, 2012. Click here for the application. For more information, please visit www.rongilljr.org.