Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo is putting his mayoral salary back into the local community by sponsoring a scholarship for graduating high school seniors who plan to attend a local college.

Longo said he wants to reward students who are involved in the Slippery Rock community. Some of the eligibility requirements include involvement in an organization, such as the volunteer fire company, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Civil Air Patrol, Young Marines, Interact Club, Key Club or Habitat for Humanity.

“What I am really striving for is to reward good citizens,” Longo said. “By homing in on young people, my hope is that they'll keep their talents here and continue their role in community service.”

Longo has just extended the deadline for scholarship submissions until Aug. 6 to encourage more submissions.

He said he is offering four $300 scholarships to students attending Slippery Rock University, Butler County Community College, Grove City College, Westminster College or the New Castle School of Trades.

Longo said it is important to him to not only reward community-involved students, but to also promote staying in the area to continue improving their community.

“They don't have to go anywhere else,” Longo said. “I think it's important to have young people to know they can succeed in Western Pennsylvania. There is opportunity to grow and succeed here.”

This is the third year in a row Longo is donating his salary, but the first time he is hosting a scholarship opportunity. In the past, he has given money to the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company, Slippery Rock Community Library and Butler County Alliance for Children.

Longo said he may host a scholarship opportunity each year because encouraging youth to be involved is an important initiative to him. He said young leaders can help further improve the area through their involvement.

“The money that I get paid to serve as mayor goes back to the community,” Longo said. “Slippery Rock and the surrounding areas are still very much untapped potential, and it's imperative that young people stick around and lead the way for us to advance.”

Students interested in applying can email submissions to mayor@jondavidrlongo.us. For more information, visit Longo's mayor Facebook page.