RENO — University of Phoenix and AMVETS, a vocal advocate for veterans’ education, are awarding $350,000 through 50 scholarships worth $7,000 to active-duty service members, veterans and eligible family members to pursue a degree from University of Phoenix. AMVETS has teamed with University of Phoenix since 2007, offering more than 225 scholarships to demonstrate the appreciation of the sacrifice service members, veterans and their families make for the country and to help service members and veterans transition from military to the civilian sector.

“As service members return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we want them to be better prepared for career opportunities in the military and civilian sector,” said Associate Regional Vice President for University of Phoenix’s Military Division retired Army Col. Garland Williams. “The 2012 University of Phoenix AMVETS Scholarships provide America’s active-duty service members, their families and veterans access to increase their professional skill sets through education in order to help them secure future employment opportunities.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces from September 2001 through today, a group referred to as the Gulf War-era II Veterans, was 12.1 percent.

Currently, more than 50,000 active-duty service members, veterans and their families are enrolled in University of Phoenix associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs worldwide.

Applications for the 2012 University of Phoenix AMVETS Scholarship are being accepted through Aug. 21, and scholarship recipients will be notified by Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

For more information on how to apply for the scholarships, visit www.phoenix.edu/tuition_and_financial_options/scholarships/amvets-scholarship.html.