Sayed Mortazavi, 17, has big plans for college next year.

He will major in political science at the University of Utah and hopes to go to law school after he graduates. Thanks to a scholarship from Comcast Digital Cable, his pathway is a little easier.

Mortazavi was one of 41 recipients of a $1,000 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship. Awards are given based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

Ray Child, Comcast public relations director, said these three elements are indicative of students' potential for a successful life.

"We feel if they're demonstrating leadership skills and a commitment to community service, it really makes it possible for students to not only be successful (academically), but they will contribute to the communities they live in," he said.

Child said scholarship recipients come directly from Comcast's service area. No limit is set on how many are given out each year. Last year 31 were awarded while this year the number went up to 41. Scholarships can be used for any academic purpose, including tuition and books.

While the national Comcast Leaders and Achievers program has been going on since 1999, the Utah program only started three years ago. Of course it has expanded in that time period, Child said.

"We've seen the program grow, seen awareness grow and seen a growth in popularity with a significant jump in participants," he said. "More and more students and schools are recognizing the importance of the scholarship and are choosing to participate."

Shantae Cooper, 18, of Layton High School, said the scholarship will help a lot when she attends Utah State University next fall, dual majoring in deaf and elementary education.

"This is money toward school and that's really important to me," she said. "It's less money that I had to come up with through working."

Kelly McConkie, 18, from Highland High School, another scholarship recipient, feels getting a higher education is important for more than academic reasons.

"I just think because (scholarships) are so available ... everybody should take an opportunity to go to college and further their education," she said. "It will help greatly to have a degree for your own personal mental health and well-being. I think it's so valuable to be more aware and a part of society. You can help yourself make more educated decisions regarding finances and your family. College is a way to help people contribute to greater society."

Child says scholarship recipients exemplify Comcast's mission.

"We feel the scholarship itself and the students awarded the scholarship embody Comcast's belief in giving back to the community where we live and work," he said. "These students embody these values that we hold important to our company.... We feel they will contribute to the enhancement and development of community one by one."

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E-mail: twalquist@desnews.com