Now in its 26th year, the Austin Chamber of Commerce Student Scholarship (ACCESS) program provides awards ranging from $400 to $1,000 for eighth grade students and $750-$1,500 for high school seniors enrolled in Austin schools.

Since its inception in 1986, more than $151,000 has been provided to 260 Austin students. Scholarships are not need based.

Printed applications are available at the Chamber office (329 N Main St.), and at Austin Public and Catholic schools. Applications are also available at www.austincoc.com. The deadline for applications is 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19.

Scholarship winners are selected through a three-step process that includes written applications, speech presentation and personal interview. To qualify, students must complete all three phases of the application process. Awards will be presented at the ACCESS scholarship banquet on March 26 at the Hormel Historic Home.

All scholarship funds are provided through business donations. For more information, call the Chamber office, 507-437-4561.