Mayor Baker is pleased to share a number of news items with you today:
 
College Scholarships Available
Register Now for the City's Summer Youth Employment Program
Lifeguard Jobs Also Available This Summer
Monday is a holiday, so please follow the listed holiday trash/recycling schedule
 
Now the details:
 
Mayor Baker Announces Student Academic Scholarships
Approximately $30,000 available in one-year, partial scholarships to help City
students achieve their academic goals; Application deadline April 17, 2009
 
Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker is announcing the availability of partial, one-year college scholarships to city residents who are graduating from area high schools and will attend college beginning next fall or are continuing their college education. Approximately $30,000 has been budgeted for the scholarships, with each scholarship worth about $2,000. The application deadline is April 17, 2009.
 
Mayor Baker established this scholarship program to assist Wilmington's young people in achieving their educational goals beyond high school. Scholarships are awarded based upon academic achievement, leadership qualities, ambition and financial need.
 
"On behalf of the citizens of Wilmington, we are happy to be able assist students who are residents of Wilmington and their families, as they apply their skills and talents in an effort to achieve a college education," said Mayor Baker. "While we cannot offer a great amount of money when compared to the ever-increasing yearly costs associated with college and university studies, these students, I know, are most appreciative of any assistance that moves them closer to their dreams and goals in life."
 
In order to be eligible for a City scholarship award, students must meet the following requirements:
 
1.    Applicant must be a resident of the City of Wilmington, Delaware and of the United States (zip codes 19801, 19802, 19805, 19806). Proof of residency is required.
2.    Applicant must be a high school senior preparing to graduate in the Spring of 2009.
3.    Applicant must show proof of acceptance into a four year accredited college/university.
4.    Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better. Transcripts are required.
5.    Applicant must have demonstrated strong leadership skills as well as a dedication to public and community service.
 
Matriculating college students must meet the following requirements in order to be considered for a scholarship:
 
1.    Applicant must be a resident of the City of Wilmington, Delaware and of the United States (zip codes 19801, 19802, 19805, 19806). Proof of residency is required.
2.    Applicant must be a matriculating student in a full time bachelor's degree program at an accredited college/university.
3.    Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better. Transcripts are required.
4.    Applicant must have demonstrated strong leadership skills as well as a dedication to public and community service.
 
Applications are available by calling the Mayor's Office at 302-576-2100 or by visiting the City website (http://www.wilmingtonde.gov/scholarships/index.htm). Completed applications should be mailed to:
 
Mayor's 2009 Academic Scholarship
Office of the Mayor
800 N. French Street
9th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
 
Applications must be received by April 17, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be acknowledged.
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Summer Youth Pre-Employment Registration
 
The City of Wilmington is pleased to offer employment opportunities to youths between the ages of 14-18 living within City limits. Registrations for the Summer Youth Program are being accepted at locations around the City between through March 21, 2009 (please see below for specific dates, times, and locations). Please note that no registrations will be accepted after Saturday, March 21, 2009.
 
Registration does not guarantee employment; participants are chosen through a televised lottery system on WITN Channel 22. Social Security Numbers are required to participate in the Summer Youth Program. For more information, please contact Nichole Torrence at 576-3847.
 
Feb. 17            Kingswood Community Center, 2300 Bowers Street
4 - 7 pm
 
Feb. 19            West End Neighborhood House, 710 N. Lincoln Street
4 - 7 pm
 
Feb. 24            People's Settlement Assoc., 408 E. 8th Street
4 - 7 pm
 
Feb. 26            Bayard School, 200 S. Dupont Street
6 - 8 pm
 
March 5         St. Elizabeth's Grant Hall (beneath Church), 1501 Cedar Street
4 - 7 pm
 
March 10       Southbridge Neighborhood House, 1218 "B" Street
4 - 7 pm
 
March 11       Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. 9th Street
4 - 6:30 pm
 
March 12       Stubbs School, 1100 Pine Street
5 - 8 pm
 
March 21       PAL CENTER, 3707 N. Market Street
Noon - 3 pm
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Lifeguard Employment and Training
 
The City's Department of Parks and Recreation will provide two lifeguard training courses at William "Hicks" Anderson Community Center-one in February and one in March (please below for specific dates and times). The course costs $250; full scholarships are available. Each course consists of four sessions, with attendance at every class required. In addition, hour-long conditioning sessions will be held Monday through Thursday from 4 - 5 p.m. beginning February 2 and lasting through March.
 
February Training Session
FEB. 21, 22, 28 & MAR. 1
9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day
 
March Training Session
MAR. 14, 15, 21 & 22
9:00 am - 5:00 pm each day
 
Interested candidates should register at www.lifeguardjobs.net for additional information.
 
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City of Wilmington Offices Closed on Monday, February 16;
Trash Collection Schedule Modified
 
In observation of Washington's Birthday, City of Wilmington offices will be closed on Monday, February 16.
 
As a result, sanitation crews will collect recyclables on a modified holiday schedule:
 
RECYCLABLES will NOT be collected on Monday, February 16; instead, recyclables will be collected on Tuesday, February 17 for homes EAST of I-95, and Wednesday, February 18 for homes WEST of I-95.
 
Trash will be collected as normally scheduled (Thursday EAST of I-95 and Friday WEST of I-95).
 
You can download your own copy of the City's 2009 Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule by visiting the City's website at www.WilmingtonDE.gov
 
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John Rago
Director of Communications and Policy Development
Office of Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker
302.576.2109 (office)
302.420.7928 (mobile)
 
Rich Neumann
Assistant Communications Director
Office of Mayor James M. Baker
302.576.2117 (office)
302.757.3898 (mobile)