Applications opened yesterday for the 2009 Hoskins Lithgow Scholarship, presenting another huge opportunity for local students preparing for tertiary studies.

The scholarship in an ongoing annual gift to the Lithgow district from the family whose name is synonymous with the industrial history of both this area and the nation.

It is part of an ongoing family involvement with Lithgow that dates back to the pioneering steel making days in the valley.

The family trust awards the $25,000 scholarship every year to assist a local student achieve his or her full potential through the early years of university study.

This year it was a joint award shared by Victor Rufus, now studying for a Music and Science Degree at ANU Canberra, and Daniel Simpson, studying at Charles Sturt University to become a paramedic.

The trustees seek to make the award to a student whose future career path will contribute to the betterment of society.

Applications are invited from students in all secondary schools in the Lithgow Local Government area or from persons who have left school and may be currently in employment or undertaking tertiary studies.

The upper age limit is 26 years as of July 1, 2008.

Applications opened yesterday and will close on Friday August 15.

Details are available from career advisers at local schools or on the scholarship website www.hoskinslithgowscholarship.or.au.

Inquiries may be emailed to help@hoskinslithgowscholarship.org.au or by contacting Helen Lee (02 9816 3376) or Tim Hoskins (02 9417 4525).

Interviews for short listed applicants will be held from September 15.