Due to the enormous success of last year’s “The Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State,” the search for the next Metro State apprentice is underway.

The Office of Alumni Relations is now accepting applications. The competition is open to all Metro State juniors who have a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Ten juniors will be selected for the chance to have their senior year tuition compensated, and to receive a rare paid internship with a local Denver company. Last year, the 10 participants worked with four community and nonprofit organizations, completing projects ranging from helping middle school students appreciate math and science to performing “eco audits” for local restaurants to help them reduce their carbon footprint.

Giedre Stasiunaite, winner of last year’s Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State, says that the experience she gained throughout the competition was great, but working with her fellow students and many community leaders was the best part. Runner-up Noah Steingraeber, who was awarded a $1,500 scholarship, adds that the experience helped him see just how far he can go.

Cherrelyn Napue, assistant vice president of alumni relations and executive director of the alumni association, was thrilled with last year’s success and the incredible amount of positive feedback from the students and faculty. “We’re excited to begin the search for the next Apprentice Challenge @ Metro State winner,” she says.

Napue asks professors to encourage outstanding juniors who demonstrate excellence in and outside the classroom to apply.

The application deadline is Sept. 19 at noon. The competition will start in the spring semester. An application can be found and downloaded from http://www.mscd.edu/~alumni/apprenticechallenge/.

For more information call Director of Special Initiatives for Alumni Relations and Enrollment Services Janell Lindsay at 303-556-6933.