The Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB), in partnership with the Massachusetts nonprofit ACCESS, has created a $200,000 scholarship fund for students in Greater Boston.

The first $120,000 in scholarships will be awarded this spring to students attending college in the fall of 2012 and will be based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, extra-curricular involvement and short written essays, according to a statement.

Students have until April 1, 2012 to apply and applications are available through the Greater Boston Real Estate Board’s local member companies in 54 cities and towns across Greater Boston, as well as online at http://www.accessedu.org/.  Awards will range from $1,000 to $5,000, and can be renewed for two years, the groups said.

"As real estate professionals, we know the value of building strong communities, and nothing is more important to that foundation than ensuring access to quality, affordable education," said Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB).  "Unfortunately, many young people believe that a higher education is far out of reach due to limited finances and rising college costs.  With this scholarship, we look forward to helping students across the 54 towns and communities we serve to achieve the success that will better their lives, and ultimately, their communities."