African-American high school seniors have until Nov. 1 to apply for the $40,000 scholarships from the Ron Brown Scholar Program.

Each year, 10 to 20 students are awarded $10,000 annually for four years.

The scholarship is named for Brown, the first African-American to serve as chairman of the Democratic National Committee and appointed to the Cabinet post of secretary of Commerce. He died in a plane crash in April 1996 while on a trade mission in war-torn Eastern Europe.

Applicants must excel academically, exhibit exceptional leadership potential, participate in community service activities, and demonstrate financial need.

Applicants also must be a U.S. citizen or hold a permanent resident visa card.

Ron Brown Scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career and may be used to pursue any academic discipline. Scholarship recipients can attend accredited four-year U.S. colleges or universities.

Since its inception in 1997, more than 250 students have been designated Ron Brown Scholars.

For more information or to apply, visit www.ronbrown.org.