Applications for the Mary and Benjamin M. Rubin Scholarship Fund are being accepted through March 1.

The $500 to $2,500 scholarships are for women who are currently attending or wish to attend college. The scholarships are based on academic qualifications and financial need.

To qualify, applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average, be in need of financial assistance, reside in Maryland, attend an accredited school and be out of high school at least a year.

Once a student has been awarded the scholarship, she must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. Students are allowed to reapply for up to five years.

The scholarship is sponsored by the Associated and the Central Scholarship Bureau.

Applications are available from the Central Scholarship Bureau, 1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 220, Baltimore, MD 21208, at www.centralsb.org or by calling 410-415-5558.

-Louis Llovio

Know geography? Then, earn a AAA scholarship

High school students in Maryland - and nationwide - who can answer questions such as, "If you are driving west from Dodge City, which state will you first come to?" can earn a chance for a $25,000 college scholarship in the fourth annual AAA Travel High School Challenge.

The contest aims to increase teens' travel knowledge and geographic literacy, while creating awareness of career opportunities in the travel and tourism industry. It is open to all U.S. students in grades 9-12, public, private or home-schooled. Students can sign up any time between now and Jan. 17 at www.aaa.com/TravelChallenge.

- Judi Laser