Tyler M. Yates has been awarded a $500 educational award in a national competition with other students who are members of Modern Woodmen of America. Modern Woodmen, a fraternal benefit society offering financial services, has local representatives and is based in Rock Island, Ill.

Yates, the son of Kevin and Sonya Yates of Spanish Fort, plans to use the grant to attend to attend the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Yates is one of 100 grant winners chosen this year.

During the past 40 years, Modern Woodmen has comitted millions of dollars in financial assistance to hundreds of students through its Fraternal Scholarship Program.

Applications for the 2009-10 scholarship program will be taken in the  fall.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.