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LWV-WA Scholarship History

Background

In 2021, the LWV-WA decided to award a scholarship to a local student with plans to pursue studies in civics, government, politics, law, or a related area of study. While discussing the best way to go about it, a member suggested using the Williamsburg Community Foundation’s WJCC Scholarship Fund which awards college scholarships to students graduating from Jamestown, Lafayette, and Warhill High Schools.

 

Scholarships may be used for any accredited two or four-year college program, including career/technical education. They are one-time awards. Each student submits an online application that is considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible.Scholarships are awarded without discrimination, in consideration of these factors: curriculum difficulty, academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, application essay, and financial need.

 

Williamsburg Community Foundation (WCF) scholarship committee accepts donations throughout the year from organizations and individuals, develop basic scholarship application criteria, and provide an online application with deadline information and a link to all available scholarships. Some have specific criteria, such as ours, while others are more general. Scholarship Committee members spend weeks reviewing applications and matching students to named and General Fund Scholarships. WCF hosts an award ceremony each spring before graduation.

 

In late 2021, the Board voted to participate in the WCF’s Scholarship Fund. We provided criteria and funds to the WCF. League members were invited to participate in the ceremony and proudly awarded the first annual League of Women Voters of the Williamsburg Area Scholarship to a graduating senior from Jamestown High School. The League’s intent is to fund at least one scholarship per year that will rotate among the three public high schools.

 

The College Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for a student who plans to pursue studies in civics, government, politics, law, or a related area of study. Preference will be given to a student who participates in Student Government and/or an organization like the League of Women Voters that encourages Civic Involvement. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, advocates on issues, and promotes civic education.