Do you want a share of £100,000?

Edge Hill University will give more away more than £100,000 to deserving students this year.

The University is currently looking for prospective and current Edge Hill students who can demonstrate excellence in one of five areas: sport, performing arts, creative arts, volunteering and online activities.

Adam Bell, who oversees the Excellence Scholarships, said the scheme has gone from strength to strength. He added: "This year up to 97 scholarships worth £106,500 will be made - an increase of £70,000 on last year."

Lauren Calvert, 18, from Rainford, St Helens was one of over 70 successful excellence scholarship applicants last year. Lauren received her award of £2,000 from the University's Chancellor Professor Tanya Byron at an awards ceremony in October, 2008.

Sporting all-rounder Lauren, who is studying for a degree in BSc (Hons) Coaching and Performance Development, impressed the selection panel with her journey from playing in the park with friends, to being signed for Wigan Ladies Football Club and representing England at both golf and rounders.

Lauren entered the record books when she was elected as the first female captain in Houghwood Golf Club's history. During this time she lowered her handicap from 45 to an impressive nine and was selected to join the England golf squad to compete in the English Girls Under-18 Championships.

Her first full season at Wigan Ladies Football Club brought more success as Lauren added the Player of the Season award to her long list of sporting achievements. These include the DfES Young Sports woman of the Year award, which was presented to her at the House of Commons by the then Minister for Sport, MP Richard Caborn.

Adam Bell said: "I would advise all students to apply because what they are doing in their spare time could actually result in them receiving money that I'm sure would be welcome in today's economic climate.

"To apply for an Excellence scholarship, all they need to do is collect evidence of their achievements and take their time in completing the application form, especially the personal statement section.

"This is the most important part of the application, where students can really sell themselves to the selection panel who set and keep very high standards."

Application to the scheme, which is part of the university's Times Higher award-winning finance package, is not subject-restricted so students can gain recognition for achievements in their spare time. The closing date for applications is Friday, 19 June, 2009.

Adam said: "This year we have set up an Excellence Scholarship website, where students can download the application forms, read about last year's winners and pick up handy hints on how to fill in their application.

"I can't think of anything better than giving money to students who are putting as much into the community as they are getting out. I would like to wish all entrants the best of luck."

To download an application form or for more information go to www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.