The Next Step, a scholarship program for individuals in recovery, currently is accepting applications for the 2008-2009 school year.

The application deadline is April 1.

Candidates of all ages and educational interests are eligible to apply.

In three-and-a-half years, the Next Step has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships and has allotted $36,000 for the 2008-2009 school year.

The Next Step’s mission is to provide financial support to those individuals who are active in recovery from alcohol and/or chemical dependency and are pursuing academic or vocational education.

Scholarship funds are awarded for tuition to high-school equivalency programs, undergraduate studies or vocational programs or for living expenses while study is ongoing.

Applicants are committed to a 12-step program, participate in service or volunteer work and are working part time. Financial need must be demonstrated as part of the confidential application process.

For more information, call (314) 968-6588 or e-mail www.thenextstepstl.org.

The application packet can be downloaded from the site.