Dunkin Donuts and its franchisees across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts recently announced the 22nd annual Dunkin Donuts Scholarship Program supporting area high school seniors preparing for college.

Dunkin Donuts will award $1,000 each to 100 college-bound high school seniors from Rhode Island and Bristol County, Mass., as part of the Dunkin Donuts Scholarship Program. Scholarship awards are based on the students academic excellence, leadership qualities and community involvement.

Applications for the Dunkin Donuts Scholarship Program are now available. Interested applicants can visit www.dunkindonuts.com/scholarship or any Dunkin Donuts restaurant in Rhode Island or Bristol County, Mass., for more information.Applications must be received by March 15 for consideration. The Dunkin Donuts scholarship program is managed by Scholarship America.

Since launching the program in 1996, Dunkin Donuts franchisees have provided more than $2 million in tuition assistance grants to students to help further their education, demonstrating the franchisees long-standing commitment to supporting youth and education programs in their communities.

“We know that paying for college can be a struggle for many families in our communities, so weve committed every year to help make college dreams a reality for 100 outstanding students and their families,” said Joe Prazeres, Dunkin Donuts Rhode Island franchisee. “Every year, were amazed by the talent and determination of these young people, and were honored to support their journeys to college.”

Applicants to the Dunkin Donuts Scholarship Program must meet the following eligibility criteria: Be a high school senior who plans to enroll in a course of study. Students must be enrolled at least part-time in a baccalaureate degree program at an accredited college or university, an associate degree program at an accredited junior or community college, or a certificate program at an approved vocational or technical institute.

Be a resident of Rhode Island or Bristol County, Massachusetts. For more information about Dunkin Donuts, please visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinProv).