Time's running out to apply for $2,500 Upromise scholarships

Looking to send someone off to college next fall? Hurry, time's running out to apply for a $2,500 Upromise Scholarship. Due by February 15, applications are being accepted for 2010-11 scholarships aimed at assisting 100 undergrads with financial need.

"Especially in this economy and with college costs increasing each year, it is gratifying to know that this program will help 100 bright and hard-working students," said Suzanne Boozer, a Upromise employee who helped create the scholarship program which began in 2008. Natalie Alatriste, a freshman at the University of Central Florida, and recipient of a 2009 award said, "By helping to pay my tuition, the Upromise Scholarship has allowed me to pursue my dream of studying biology."

Applicants, or their parents must be a member (or quickly become a member) of Upromise (joining is free), have a minimum 3.40 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent), prove a household income of $80,000 or less, be a US citizen and a high school senior, high school graduate or current college student who plans to enroll in a two or four-year accredited college, university or vocational tech school.

Complete guidelines for eligibility and application can be found here.

You can also help the cause by becoming a "fan" of Upromise on Facebook. The company has pledged to donate $1 to the scholarship fund for every new fan (up to $25,000).

Although becoming a facebook fan is a whole lot easier than filling out a scholarship application, both are worth the effort and there's still time. What, you thought you'd be watching the Superbowl? Get the scholarship now, the tailgating can come later.