Ruiz 4 Kids accepting applications

Ruiz 4 Kids is accepting applications for 2013 scholarships, available only to high school seniors in the areas where Ruiz Foods has a presence.

In 2012, Ruiz 4 Kids awarded $202,000 in scholarships to 196 high school seniors, including several in the Porterville area, to help them in continuing their education.

Students must have an overall 2.5 grade point average for a confirmed trade or community college, and a 3.0 or higher GPA if targeted for a four-year college or university.

“There are so many needs in our communities,” said Kim Ruiz Beck, chairman, Ruiz Foods, and president of Ruiz 4 Kids. “We definitely pay attention to the obstacles students face when striving for higher education. As a result, need is at the forefront during the review and selection process.”

Separate from Ruiz 4 Kids’ traditional high school senior scholarship program is the Louis F. Ruiz Memorial Scholarship. College students are encouraged to apply to review the Ruiz 4 Kids website — www.ruiz4kids.org/programsscholarships.aspx — for the qualifications to apply. The deadline to apply is March 8.

The Annual Ruiz Foods Golf Invitational, set for May 7 in Visalia, serves as the important fundraiser that fuels the Scholarship Program.