Apache Junction Elks Lodge No. 2349 recently announced the start of the 2022 Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship contest.

The scholarships are available to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens, according to a release.

Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.

Judging is based on academics, leadership, service and financial need. The application must be completed online at enf.elks.org/mvs and must be submitted by the Nov. 15 deadline.

Five hundred national winners will be announced in April 2022. The Elks National Foundation will be awarding 20 top scholarships ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. The top 20 national finalists participate in a leadership weekend and interview for the top awards. The remaining 480 runners-up will receive $4,000 scholarships. This year, the Elks National Foundation is investing $4.2 million in college scholarships, the release states.

For entrants not receiving an MVS scholarship, the Apache Junction Elks will use these applications to award other scholarships available through the Arizona Elks Association and the local Apache Junction Lodge No. 2349. All applications must be submitted online.

Applications and details for the 2022 are available on the Elks National Foundation’s website, enf.elks.org/mvs, or the Apache Junction lodge website at ajelks.com.