Students may register for Red Cross summer scholarship program

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FLORENCE - High school and college students can win a scholarship this summer by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive through the Leaders Save Lives program. Registration is now open to host a participating blood drive between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2015. The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded 16- to 24-year-old students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply over the summer months. Students who participate as a blood drive coordinator are eligible to win a scholarship up to $2,500 for higher education and to earn a gift card. "High school and college students are important in supporting a strong blood supply," said Red Cross External Communications Manager Krystal Overmyer. "Students give about 20 percent of all American Red Cross blood donations, and donations typically decline when schools are out of session." Overmyer said summer is the most challenging time to maintain a sufficient blood supply. "The Leaders Save Lives program is a great way for students to learn valuable leadership skills while helping hospital patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions," she said. "With this program, students are helping the community by recruiting their friends and family to donate during this crucial season.” A total of 10 scholarships will be awarded via drawing to students who achieve 100 percent of their blood drive collections goal. All students who achieve the designated blood drive goal will receive an electronic gift card to giftcertificates.com.