OLEAN, N.Y. — Olean High School seniors pursuing a technical or trade education can apply for a new scholarship this year thanks to the Paul and Betty Hanson Career/Technical Scholarship Fund.

The scholarship, established at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, will be awarded annually to one or two graduating Olean High students pursuing a post-secondary career or technical education at a trade or technical school.

Depending on the number of qualified applicants, the fund will make possible either one scholarship of $1,000 or two $500 awards each year.

Eligible trade or technical programs could include, but are not limited to drafting, welding, auto body repair, CAD, construction, masonry, culinary arts and cosmetology.

The scholarship fund is now the third fund Paul and Betty Hanson have established at CRCF. The Paul and Mary Janowicz fund, established in memory of Betty’s parents, provides a scholarship to Ellicottville Central School graduates and grants to the Olean Public Library, Great Valley Fire Department and Olean General Hospital Foundation.

The Hansons also established the Paul and Betty Hanson Fund, which makes annual grants to Mercy Flight of Western New York, Town of Olean Fire Department, Olean General Hospital Foundation and Olean Public Library.

“The high demand of trade and technical-based jobs in our area makes this scholarship fund very important,” said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit. “It may just provide opportunities for students who wish to return and work in the community after completing their education.”

Applications for CRCF-managed scholarships will be accepted through the foundation’s scholarship portal under the scholarship tab beginning Feb. 1 atcattfoundation.org.

Donations can be made to the Paul and Betty Hanson Career/Technical Scholarship Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online atcattfoundtion.org.