The Exchange Club of Shelby County is offering multiple opportunities for area students to receive scholarship money for college.

Coni Fievet-Crawford, president of the Exchange Club of Shelby County, said there are three programs for high school students in Shelby County to take advantage of.

The Exchange Club’s Americanism Oratory Contest, which is open to juniors and seniors, requires students to prepare a speech with a theme of patriotism or something that relates to the American way of life or encourages continuance of the American representative democratic form of government.

The winner of the contest will receive $250 and will then advance to the district competition where more scholarship money will be up for grabs.

The Exchange Club will pay for the winner of the oratorical contest to travel tot he Hilton Garden Inn in Orange Beach for the district competition on April 29.

The Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Award recognizes high school students who have overcome physical, emotional or social obstacles and are now eligible for graduation. This program encourages students to overcome their hardships and get back on track toward a high school diploma and recognizes students who are often overlooked.

Participants will have an opportunity to win $10,000 if they progress to the national competition. Travel expenses will be covered for the student and their parents/guardians.

The Youth of the Year Award focuses on student achievement, such as community service, extracurricular activities and grade point average.

Each of the local winners will receive $250 in scholarship money from the Exchange Club of Shelby County, but will be able to win more money if they advance in each of the programs.

Applications for each of the scholarship opportunities need to go through school guidance counselors. Students should ask their guidance counselor to contact Crawford at cfievetcrawford@gmail.com on their behalf to receive an application.