The Monterey County Film Commission's Film Student Scholarship & Award Program has just increased this year's award from $1,000 to $2,000, thanks to private donations and funding from the Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation.

Applications for the fifth annual scholarship program are being accepted until Feb. 17, 2012. The $2,000 award winner (or two $1,000 winners, if the prize is split) will be announced March 31. Eligibility information and application forms may be downloaded at MCFC's website. For more information, please contact the film commission office at 831-646-0910.