An annual scholarship program with a regional focus got started Oct. 6 with an assembly.

During the assembly at Butler Vocational-Technical School, students learned about The Challenge Program and volunteers participated in a mock interview challenge to demonstrate how developing the right work habits and behaviors will set them apart from other jobseekers.

Each interview question was linked with one of The Challenge Program’s five award categories — attendance, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), community service, academic improvement, and academic excellence.

Students will be eligible to compete for financial incentives in these categories throughout the school year.

XTO Energy, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, is the sponsor of the program at Butler Vo-Tech.

Butler Vo-Tech, along with Butler, Freeport, Karns City, Knoch, Moniteau and Seneca Valley high schools, participate in The Challenge Program.