CENTRAL NEW YORK — Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB) has announced a record year for local employer-sponsored scholarships. Regional high school students can now apply for four-year college scholarships in architecture, computer science, nursing, or engineering (specifically automation, chemical, electrical, mechanical, or process engineering).

The CNY STEM Scholarship Program, endorsed by the CNY Tech Sector and the CNY STEM Hub, was launched in 2013 and is open to high school seniors intending to major in the areas listed above. Residents of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tompkins counties are eligible to apply. This year multiple scholarships are being offered by seven local companies: Cooper Lighting Solutions, INFICON, King+King Architects, Loretto, Novelis, SRC and TTM Technologies.

“The scholarships continue to evolve because of the commitment from local employers to find this region’s best and brightest, assist with their educational expenses, and ultimately offer them internships and full-time positions right here in Central New York,” said program coordinator Marianne Ferris.

Ferris added that over the years she has seen students receive scholarships, take advantage of paid internships, graduate and be offered positions with these local companies. PEB also maintains a database of all applicants and can reach out to these college students with the most sought-after STEM majors and make them aware of open positions or internships with employers.

Over the past nine years, PEB has awarded 65 scholarships with a total value of $706,000. This year, PEB is adding a record 13 more scholarships with an additional value of $120,000.

Interested students can complete an online application at cnystem.com. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2022. The process includes independent reviews of the applications, academic records, letters of recommendation, a listing of honors/awards, extracurricular activities, and an essay and personal interview.