League of Women Voters of East Alabama Scholarship
The League of Women Voters is a grassroots, nonpartisan, political organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy.
The League of Women Voters of Alabama Education Fund provides funding for nonpartisan projects designed to encourage the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works in an unbiased way to increase understanding of major public policy issues.
Scholarship Details
The League of Women Voters of East Alabama is offering one $500 scholarship to a graduating senior pursuing post-secondary education. This one-time cash award is for study beginning in Fall 2026 at U.S. accredited colleges and universities, community colleges, trade and technical schools, and/or other career-oriented preparation.
2026 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be graduating from a high school or other secondary education program (e.g., a homeschool program) in Lee County, Alabama, at the time of the application and must be accepted to or in the process of applying for admission at a college or other institution in Fall 2026.
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Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (for tax purposes).
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Applicants must have a home address within Lee County.
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Applicants must be graduating from a high school (or homeschool program) in Lee County, Alabama, in Spring or Summer 2026.
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Applicants must be accepted or enrolled at an accredited college or university, trade or technical education school, or other training program at the time the award is received.
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Winners must provide proof of enrollment or acceptance prior to receipt of award.
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Restrictions: Family members of LWVEA board members, Scholarship Review Committee members, or substantial LWV donors are not eligible to apply. Note that students who are related to LWV members who are not substantial donors or LWVEA board members may apply.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
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Scholarship Opens: February 9, 2026
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Scholarship Closes: March 15, 2026
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Application Reviews: March 16, 2026 - April 1, 2026
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Scholarship Recipient Notified: April 2026
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Scholarship Presented: The recipient will be invited to be recognized at the LWVEA Annual Meeting in April 2026.
Application Materials
The application will include the following:
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Online application via Google Forms
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One 500-750 word essay on one of the following topics:
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OPTION ONE: As a young adult, what are your most important responsibilities as a participant in a democracy and why?
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OPTION TWO: Do you see social media as a helpful tool for civic participation (e.g., organizing, advocacy), or more as a distraction?
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One letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, mentor, coach, supervisor, or community member. (The recommender may not have any familial relation to the applicant.)
Letter of Recommendation Guidelines
We kindly ask that all recommenders keep the anonymous nature of the selection process in mind while drafting the letter. Students will need to upload their single letter of recommendation at the time of submitting the final application.
Scholarship Chekclist
☐ Scholarship Online Application
☐ Request Letters of Recommendation
☐ Provide Letter of Recommendation Intake form to recommender
☐ Scholarship essay response (one of two topics, not both)
☐ Submit application before deadline: March 15, 2026