AUBURN — Mechanics Savings Bank has announced it will continue offering Banking on the Future scholarships. This year, the bank will award $17,000 to local high school graduates pursuing higher education.

Participating high schools include Edward Little, Lewiston, Gray-New Gloucester, Poland Regional, Brunswick, Mt. Ararat, Saint Dominic Academy, Leavitt, Lisbon, Oak Hill and Windham.

Students are selected by their high school guidance department based on their accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Candidates must demonstrate academic success, service to school, community and/or family and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Applications may be picked up from the guidance office at participating high schools, picked up at a local Mechanic Savings Bank branch, or downloaded online at www.mechanicssavings.com/home/about/community.

The application process begins in January and typically ends in early April. Deadlines vary by high school. Interested students should visit their high school guidance department to learn more about the school’s scholarship application process and deadline.