High school seniors invited to apply for scholarship

The Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD) is partnering with the North County Fire Protection District and Mission Resource Conservation District in an annual program to award five scholarships to local graduating seniors. The $1,000 scholarships, which will be awarded by the San Diego Chapter of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), will be granted to high school students interested in local government.

FPUD doesn’t fund the scholarships but partners with the fire district and Mission Resources to review applications for the CSDA.

“The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of special districts and their role in local government,” said FPUD General Manager Keith Lewinger. “Special districts are the most direct link to government for many Californians, yet few people understand the special districts’ work and history within the community.”

Special districts are formed to provide a service such as water, sewer, fire protection or irrigation. Each has an elected board of directors that holds public meetings, much like a city council. FPUD, North County Fire and Mission Resources are all special districts and members of the CSDA.

Applicants must complete an essay explaining the purpose of special districts. They must also provide a personal statement discussing their background or goals. Additional selection criteria include community involvement or volunteer service, letters of recommendation and grade point average (2.5 minimum).

Students may pick up application packets at their counselors’ offices at Fallbrook High schools, online at http://www.fpud.com or http://www.ncfire.org or by contacting Noelle Denke at the district at (760) 728-1125. Applications must be received at the district by 5 p.m. on March 9. Eligible students must live within or attend a school within the FPUD, North County Fire Protection or Mission Resource service area district.