Each year American Mensa, a national high IQ society, offers scholarships to those who wish to further their education at any accredited American institution of post-secondary education. Redwood Empire Mensa, which encompasses Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Del Norte counties, is proud to participate in this program. Applicants need not belong to Mensa nor even qualify for membership.

The economy being what it is, I’m certain that there are many individuals in this area who could use this financial assistance in furthering their education. As far as our local Mensa chapter is concerned, the more applications we receive, the better.

Scholarships are awarded on local, regional and national levels, based upon an essay describing the applicant’s career, vocational or academic goals. Application forms can be downloaded from the Mensa Education and Research Foundation Web site, www.mensafoundation.org/scholarships .

Those who do not have Internet access may request applications by mailing a post-paid, self-addressed No. 10 envelope to: Mensa Foundation Scholarships, 30 Raymond Heights, Petaluma, CA 94952-4943.

Tom Wilson is scholarship chair of the Redwood Empire Mensa chapter. He lives in Petaluma.