The United States Bowling Congress has awarded $1,000 college scholarships to 12 USBC Youth members through the USBC Gift For Life Scholarships program.

Each year, Gift For Life Scholarships are given to USBC Youth members who need financial assistance to obtain a college education. High school students with a GPA of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale) who could demonstrate financial need were encouraged to apply. Recipients were selected by a committee of USBC staff members.

"This is a way the sport of bowling can help families facing the rising cost of college," USBC Executive Director Stu Upson said. "These young people want to go to college, and USBC is proud the Gift For Life Scholarship will help them to pursue their dreams."

The USBC Gift For Life scholarship recipients for 2011:

* Brandon Bayer, Dodge, Neb.
* Travis Brinkley, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
* Katryn Comeau, Vancouver, Wash.
* Briana Cubito, Green Bay, Wis.
* Ellery Gainza, Winter Park, Fla.
* Evan Graveel, South Bend, Ind.
* Eric Hayes, LeRoy, N.Y.
* Alyssa Hesse, Hicksville, N.Y.
* Jessica Janczewski, Crabtree, Pa.
* Nathaniel Reid, Greenville, N.C.
* Amanda Szczerba, Chicago
* Marissa Spencer, Yorktown, Va.

In honor of the 9/11 heroes, each year two of the Gift For Life Scholarships are reserved for children of fire department, emergency rescue or police personnel. Bayer's father is assistant fire chief for the Dodge Volunteer Fire Department and Gainza's father is battalion chief for Orange County Fire Rescue.

To learn more about scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers, visit BOWL.com/scholarships.