WATERVILLE — The Elks National Foundation, is offering a scholarship opportunity for 500 students for four years.

Ranging from $1,000 per year to $15,000 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university.

Scholarship specifications:

* Any high school senior who is a citizen of the United States is eligible to apply.

* Applicants need not be related to a member of the Elks.

* Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are signed.

* Male and female students compete separately.

* Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 2, forms are available online at elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm.

To be eligible for an award, national finalists will be required to submit a secondary application online. The national finalists will also be required to mail their Student Aid Report to the ENF. These applications are due March 23, 2012.

For more information, contact a local Maine Elks Lodge.