CSDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2008

APPLICATION PACKAGE

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(Word format)

(PDF format)

The San Diego Chapter of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA) will award a minimum of five (5) $1,000 Scholarships to graduating San Diego County High School Seniors in 2008. Applicants may also be considered for a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the Otay Water District. 

Local Special Districts will each select a finalist to compete for the regional scholarships as well as prizes such as laptops and iPods. Winners will be chosen based on the quality of essays prepared by the applicants, as well as academic and service qualifications. This contest asks you to research and write a brief paper on California Special Districts. Although grades, school and community participation are a part of the judging criteria, the purpose of the scholarship program is to increases knowledge and awareness of Special Districts, so additional weight is given to the Special Districts essay portion of the application.

Many schools are within more than one special district.  To qualify for the CSDA Scholarship, students should apply with a district that serves her/his residence.  If students are not sure which district serves their residence, they may call Otay Water District, or they may apply through Otay Water District as the district that serves their school.  To qualify for the Otay Water District Scholarship, students must live within the Otay Water District’s service area.

Applicants must submit the following documents by March 14, 2008 (applications will not be accepted if all criteria are not met, including correct formatting):

1. Completed application form.

2. High School transcript and continuing education registration information.

3. School/Community involvement:
   1. One letter of recommendation from a high school faculty member.
   2. One letter of character reference from a personal or professional associate.

4. A typewritten (two pages or less) personal statement.  Format:  Arial 12 point font, with 1 inch margins top, bottom, left and right, and1½ spacing.  Possible topics include the student’s reasons for applying for the scholarship or seeking a higher education, the student’s educational/career goals, personal background and interests, etc.

5. A typewritten (two pages or less) essay about the purpose of Special Districts:  What do you feel are the benefits and services of special districts; How do special districts fit into the California governmental structure; What special districts serve your area?  Arial 12 point font, with 1 inch margins top, bottom, left and right, and1½ spacing.

The Special Districts essay will be judged on originality and demonstrated understanding of the subject matter. Applicants are encouraged to research the topic through one or more of the following methods:

1. Library/internet research - The Special District Website, www.csda.net/spcldist.htm, has additional information, and the booklet “What’s so Special about Special Districts” is available to be downloaded.
2. Attendance at a special district agency Board meeting.  The Otay Water District Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 3:30. 
3. Oral interviews with special district employee or official.  Call Pam Rega at (619) 970-2291 to set up an interview.

Submit the completed application package to Otay Water District, on or before March 14, 2008 to Pam Rega Otay Water District 2554 Sweetwater Springs Blvd Spring Valley, CA 91978.

Each special district will review qualified applications and select a finalist.  Finalists will be considered, and winners selected, by a committee formed by the San Diego Chapter of the CSDA.  Winners selected by the Committee will be honored at the CSDA dinner meeting on the evening of May 15, 2008. 

For more information, please contact:

Richard Namba

richard.namba@otaywater.gov

(619) 670-2730.