BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Armenian group hosts luncheon

The Armenian American Chamber of Commerce Greater Los Angeles Chapter will host a luncheon Wednesday at Favorite Place Restaurant.

The event takes place from noon until 1 p.m. at the restaurant, 115 W. Wilson Ave.

For more information, contact the chamber at (818) 247-0196.

Americana operator offers scholarship

Americana at Brand operator Caruso Affiliated announced a new scholarship program last week for area high school seniors.

The Spirit of American Youth Scholarships, named after the sculpture in the fountain at the Americana, will be offered to two graduating seniors and are worth $10,000 each.

The scholarships will go do students “who have shown dedication to academic excellence and a commitment to improving their communities,” according to a Caruso Affiliated statement.

Applicants for the scholarships may be from public or private schools and must have a grade-point average of at least 3.0.

Applicants must write a 1,000- to 1,500-word essay on how they would “invest in their communities to create a brighter future for generations to come.” The scholarship program was influenced by the struggles of students who are facing financial challenges during the recession while they try to move on with their educational careers, Caruso Affiliated Chief Executive Rick Caruso said in a statement.

“Our goal is to help make the dream of higher education a reality rather than a dream deferred,” he said.

Applications are available at www.americanaatbrand. com and are due by June 5.

Caruso Affiliated will announce the winners at the students’ graduation ceremonies. The scholarship will be offered annually, with applications available for submission from October until March 31, starting in 2010.