Hanford subcontractor EnergySolutions is betting that awarding college scholarships early in students' high school years can encourage them to pursue math, engineering and science careers.

The EnergySolutions Foundation announced Friday a program to award a college scholarship to a high school sophomore in each of nine public high schools in the Tri-City area. Scholarships will be worth $2,000.

Then students may compete against other student winners in communities where EnergySolutions does business for finalist scholarships worth $25,000, $5,000 and $2,500.

The money will be invested for students until they start college.

"The whole idea is to get kids focused on getting into science and engineering programs," said Carla Hages, spokeswoman for EnergySolutions.

The company also is concerned about the aging work force at Hanford. The average age of a worker there has been in the late 40s in recent years.

"In order for America to maintain its competitive edge and compete in the world marketplace, it is absolutely critical that we encourage our best students to pursue a scientific course of education," said Steve Creamer, chief executive of EnergySolutions, in a statement. "The purpose of these scholarships is to increase the quality and quantity of students entering science, math and engineering programs."

The program also is part of the newly formed EnergySolution's commitment to community service in the Tri-Cities. It includes the former companies BNG America, Duratek, Envirocare of Utah and Scientech D & D.

Students at Benton City, Columbia, Hanford, Kamiakin, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, River View and South Ridge high schools are eligible to apply for the scholarship. A selection committee of professionals in science, math, engineering and academia will consider applications.

It will be looking at both academic achievement and also community involvement. It will consider any special circumstances cited by the school.

Information is posted at www.energysolutionsfoundation.org.