by Keith Gisser, for the Harness Horse Youth Foundation

Westfield, IN — Applications for several Harness Horse Youth Foundation scholarships must be postmarked by April 30, 2012.

The scholarships, for students who are at least high school seniors, are awarded based on GPA, financial need, completeness of application and quality of essay (where applicable). For compete application forms and more information on these awards, log on to www.hhyf.org/scholarships.asp.

The scholarships, with any additional qualifications listed, are the Gallo Blue Chip Scholarship, sponsored by Martin Scharf, for children of licensed trainer or caretakers in Pennsylvania, New York or New Jersey; The Curt Greene Memorial Scholarship for students who have demonstrated a passion for harness racing and have financial need; and the MHS Scholarship, sponsored by Joe Putnam and Trent Stohler, for full-time students. The applicant, his/her parent, grandparent or legal guardian must be licensed by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission. New this year is the Sweet Karen Scholarship for alumni of HHYF Summer Programs.

The HHYF website also provides a comprehensive listing of harness racing-related scholarships available through other sources.

The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing young people and their families educational opportunities with harness horses, in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. The Foundation was established in 1976 and its programs include interactive learning experiences with these versatile animals, scholarship programs and educational materials.

For more information on opportunities through HHYF and its mission, go to www.hhyf.org.