Bruce J. Lance Jr. Water Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Monte Vista Water District

Monte Vista Water District (MVWD) and its partner education programs offer scholarships to help local students learn about water issues and pay for college. If you live or go to school in MVWD’s service area and you’re planning to attend college next year, read on — these are real opportunities worth applying for.

MVWD — Bruce J. Lance, Jr. Water Scholarship
- Purpose and history: Created in 2013 to honor Bruce J. Lance, Jr. for 44 years of service as MVWD’s General Counsel. The scholarship supports students who are curious about water and planning higher education.
- Award: Up to two scholarships of $1,500 each, awarded annually.
- Who is eligible:
- High school seniors attending school or residing in the MVWD service area
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Planning to enroll in a two- or four-year college for the 2026–2027 school year
- What to submit:
- A brief personal statement (300 words or less) explaining how the scholarship will help you succeed in college
- A longer essay (1,000–1,500 words) on this prompt: “What do you think is the greatest threat to our water supplies in Southern California over the next 25 years? Why? How would you address those threats?”
- A completed application form and originals of your essay and personal statement
- How essays are judged: Four equally weighted criteria — focus on topic, creativity & originality, grammar, and presentation.
- Important note: Submitting an AI-generated essay is considered academic dishonesty and may lead to disqualification.
- Next step: Check MVWD’s scholarship page for the application form and the deadline, and start your application early.

WEWAC — Water Scholar Program
- Purpose and history: Established by the Water Education Water Awareness Committee (WEWAC) in 2014 to promote water awareness through education and to financially support students.
- Award: $2,000 scholarships.
- Who is eligible:
- High school seniors living in WEWAC’s service area (students in MVWD’s service area qualify)
- Current GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Planning to attend a two- or four-year college in the following school year
- Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- More information: Visit WEWAC’s website for details and to apply.

Teacher tips (short and practical)
- Start early — give yourself time to revise the essay.
- Answer the prompt directly and support your ideas with clear reasoning or facts.
- Proofread for grammar and presentation; neatness counts.
- Be original — your perspective is the most valuable part of your essay.

If you’d like, I can help you outline your essay or review a draft.