Applications are now open for the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Center for Quality Communities (CQC) Scholarship. The CQC will award four $3,000 scholarships to Washington students who demonstrate a strong commitment to civic leadership.
The City of La Center will nominate one (1) graduating high school senior to AWC for their consideration. Applications are due by December 19, 2025 and can be submitted in-person at City Hall or emailed to the city’s Outreach Coordinator, Hannah Shields.
Eligibility
- Reside in La Center
- Be active in community leadership or civic engagement through school, community groups, or city government
- Be eligible to earn a high school diploma, homeschool diploma, or GED in spring/summer of 2026
- Plan to continue education in the 2026-27 academic year at an accredited college or trade school at least half-time
How to Apply:
- Complete the 2026 CQC scholarship application
- Receive a letter of recommendation from a non-relative
- Submit the application and letter of recommendation to La Center City Hall, or email to hshields@ci.lacenter.wa.us
- The City of La Center will select one applicant to submit to AWC
Scholarship recipients will be notified by AWC in Spring 2026.
- If you are selected as a recipient:
- AWC/CQC will provide a travel stipend for you to attend AWC’s Annual Conference in Spokane to be recognized at a CQC luncheon on June 25, 2026. You will have the valuable opportunity to meet and network with local leaders from across the state.
(Note: Student nominees who are applying to the University of Washington are also eligible for consideration for the prestigious UW Presidential Scholars Program. As long as the student has checked the box on their application granting permission for it to be shared with Washington state academic institutions, the CQC will forward those applications to UW—neither the city nor the student needs to take any further action.)
For more information, please visit AWC Scholarship Website
