As the school year winds down, graduating seniors from Norfolk have the opportunity to apply for scholarship money from a number of local organizations.

The scholarships are typically awarded to students enrolling in four-year colleges, but this is not invariably the case. Students going on to two-year colleges and trade schools may also apply for scholarships from all of Norfolk’s granting organizations.

The Norfolk Connecticut Children’s Foundation, which gives scholarships of around $1,000, encourages applications from Norfolk high school seniors who plan to continue their education in some form, even if they will be deferring their entrance to another program for up to three years. The scholarship, a one-time award, is also available to recent graduates.

“We wanted to recognize the realities that young people face today,” said board member Babs Perkins, noting that not every graduating senior wants to transition directly to a four-year or a two-year college, and that a variety of other educational opportunities are available. “As long as it’s accredited, it works for us,” said Perkins.

Applications for Norfolk Connecticut Children’s Foundation scholarships can be obtained from the foundation’s website or by writing to the foundation at P.O. Box 322, Norfolk CT 06058. The deadline for submission is April 30.

Also available to Norfolk students is the William F. Kelly Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department Road Race Scholarship. High school seniors, college undergraduates and students enrolled in post-high school educational programs are eligible, and the award is typically around $600.

“There is no financial requirement,” says Judy Ludwig, a member of the scholarship committee. “Our main criterion is a well-written resume with a focus on the student’s involvement in community service, specifically in Norfolk and northwestern Connecticut.”

Applications can be found on the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department website. They must be completed and mailed to the firehouse on 20 Shepard Rd. before May 15.

The Norfolk Lions Club also offers scholarships to Norfolk students. Applications can be obtained at the National Iron Bank and are due at the end of April, according to Janis Graham-Jones, a board member. Generally offering an award of $500, they are open to all Norfolk students pursuing further education.

Finally, the Greenwoods Scholarship Foundation, a Winsted-based organization, offers needs-based scholarships to residents of Norfolk and the surrounding towns in the year they graduate from Regional 7, Gilbert or Oliver Wolcott Technical School. Completed applications were due this year on February 15, however. Application forms and eligibility requirements are available on the foundation’s website.