WSSC Now Accepting Applications for Commissioners’ Engineering Scholarship Program

3/28/2019

LAUREL, Md. – Why is tap water better than bottled? That’s what engineering students will answer as part of their application to WSSC’s annual Commissioners’ Engineering Scholarship Program, worth up to $10,000 in scholarship money and paid internship experience over four years. The scholarship program, which officially opened today, supports the Commission’s ongoing efforts to attract aspiring engineers to careers in the water industry.

Students are asked to address the benefits of tap water in response to the following essay topic:

As the largest water utility in Maryland, and one of the largest in the country, WSSC is proud to produce and deliver safe, clean and reliable tap water to our 1.8 million customers daily. We are passionate about our water and even prouder of our superior track record in delivering this excellent product to our bi-county residents for the past 100 years. In 1,500 words or less, tell us why tap water is better than bottled water. Please be sure to address all relevant factors and scenarios in making your case.

“This scholarship is designed to help engineering students financially and professionally. We hope that it helps to lessen some of their load while at the same time, introduce them to WSSC and the pivotal role we play in our local community and nationally,” said WSSC Commission Chair T. Eloise Foster.

“Delivering safe, clean water is at the heart of everything WSSC does, and we have the 100-year track record of zero water quality violations to prove it,” said WSSC General Manager and CEO Carla A. Reid. “This scholarship, and the opportunities it provides, will attract the next generation of WSSC engineers to ensure we continue to deliver safe, seamless and satisfying water services for another 100 years.”

Each year, up to two new $1,000 scholarships may be awarded. Scholarship recipients are eligible for additional awards for up to four consecutive years, which may include post-graduate studies in engineering. Scholarship recipients also are given priority consideration for WSSC’s paid summer internship positions while enrolled in school. The scholarships and internship opportunities total a potential value of more than $10,000 over four years.

New this year, instead of a cover letter, applicants are asked to submit an introductory video telling a little about themselves and why tap water is better than bottled water.

To qualify for the 2019 scholarship program, applicants must also:

Provide proof of permanent residency in WSSC’s service district; students may attend school outside the WSSC district or out of state;
Be enrolled full time in a degree program at an accredited college or university that leads to an engineering degree in one of the following areas: Civil Engineering (i.e., Environmental, Sanitary, Structural, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Fire Protection, Transportation, Project Management, Construction Management); Electrical Engineering; Material Science and Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science/Engineering. High school seniors who have been accepted into any of these programs are eligible; proof of acceptance/enrollment must accompany application materials; and
Complete an application and have it received by the WSSC Corporate Secretary by Monday, June 3, 2019.

In addition to the essay, introductory video and proof of residency, all applicants must submit an official transcript and two letters of reference. Applicants may apply online at www.wsscwater.com/engscholar or by U.S. mail to: WSSC Corporate Secretary Sheila Finlayson, Esq., WSSC, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, MD 20707.

For additional information

Visit www.wsscwater.com/engscholar, or contact Sheila Finlayson at 301-206-8200 or Sheila.Finlayson@wsscwater.com.