RALEIGH — Better Business Bureau serving eastern North Carolina is now accepting applications for the spring 2016 BBB Torch Scholarships, which recognize students who personify high ethical standards as demonstrated through leadership, community service, overall personal integrity and academic history.

Torch Scholarships are given to college-bound high school juniors, seniors and college undergraduates who reside or attend school within BBB of eastern North Carolina’s 33-county service area. Scholarship prizes totaling $12,000 will be awarded.

Spring 2016 Torch Scholarship Awards:

$1,000 Raleigh Heating and Air BBB Torch Scholarship

$1,000 Student of Trust BBB Torch Scholarship

$1,000 Student of Trust BBB Torch Scholarship

$1,000 Student of Trust BBB Torch Scholarship

$3,000 Student of Character BBB Torch Scholarship

$5,000 Student of Ethics BBB Torch Scholarship

To be eligible, students must submit an essay of 1,000 words or less, along with an application, transcript and a letter of recommendation from a BBB accredited business. Completed application packets are due by March 21.

For more information, including the spring 2016 essay topic, an application form, letter of recommendation template and list of requirements, please visit bbbscholarship.org. For assistance, contact Alyssa Gutierrez at agutierrez@raleigh.bbb.org.

About BBB serving eastern North Carolina

Better Business Bureau serving eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB accredited business fees from more than 3,000 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.