The IWSH Essay Contest encourages thoughtful discussion about clean water, public health, and the essential role of professionally installed plumbing systems, which are critical for preventing waterborne illnesses and protecting public health.
Scholarship Details
- Essays must be between 800 and 1,600 original words
- Open to high school seniors, full-time technical or trade school students, community college students, apprentices, and undergraduate students
- International students are eligible to apply
- Top four essays selected by the Sandra Imprescia Essay Scholarship Committee
- Final winners selected and announced by IWSH’s Board of Trustees in Fall
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a current high school senior or a full-time student enrolled in an accredited technical school, trade school, community college, apprenticeship program, or four-year college or university
- Must be enrolled full-time with at least 12 credit hours if in postsecondary education
- Must submit an original essay addressing the assigned topic
- Must demonstrate interest in clean drinking water, safe sanitation, and public health
Application Process
- Confirm your eligibility as a high school senior or full-time postsecondary student
- Write an original essay of 800 to 1,600 words addressing the contest topic
- Discuss how government and private sector partnerships can improve sanitation access and infrastructure
- Consider including real examples, innovative ideas, and the role of plumbing in protecting public health
- Submit your completed essay by April 30th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time
- Await review by the scholarship committee and potential selection as a finalist
Your essay must be original. Please be advised that the scholarship committee may run the essay through an AI detector and/or run a plagiarism scan, which could cause your essay to be disqualified.
