PORT ORCHARD — The AWC Center for Quality Communities is recruiting outstanding young leaders for a $1,000 2017 Quality Communities Scholarship.

The AWC Center for Quality Communities, a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Association of Washington Cities, promotes civic engagement and seeks to provide the public a better understanding of the role cities and towns play in Washington.

Students living within the city of Port Orchard who are interested in competing must be involved (or have been involved) with a city government or community/school leadership activity; eligible to graduate from high school, finish homeschooling or receive a GED in spring/summer 2017; be a Washington state resident; and plan to continue education in the 2017-2018 academic year at an accredited college, community college or trade school on a half-time or more basis. The scholarship winner will be notified in May.

To apply, fill out the AWC Center for Quality Communities Scholarship Fund application and submit by mail to the City of Port Orchard, 216 Prospect St., Port Orchard, WA 98366, or email cityhall@cityofportorchard.us. Applications must be received no later than Feb. 27.